Statements about the necessity to involve Turkey in OSCE Minsk Group, made by Vice-Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ali Ahmadov are simply ridiculous, Eduard Sharmazanov, Secretary of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) faction, told NEWS.am.

According to him, in his interview Ahmadov himself explained the reason why it is impossible. “Ahmadov said that ‘fraternal and friendly Turkey is a country directly interested in a fair resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on condition that Azerbaijan’s violated rights are restored.’ These words indicate that Turkey is a biased side, and, therefore, it can not act as a mediator,” Sharmazanov stated. Besides, the Armenian side appreciates the OSCE MG’s efforts proved by recent positive progress on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. “Official Baku’s nervous statements are indicative of panic in the country despite the inflow of petrodollars,” the MP said. According to Sharmazanov, Ahmadov’s claims that Turkey is an authoritative state in the region are also absurd. “Turkey might be an authority for Azerbaijan, but not for Armenia, particularly amid the recent developments when Ankara’s words and deeds differ much,” Sharmazanov said.

On April 20, OSCE Minsk Group U.S. and Russian Co-Chairs Robert Bradtke and Yuri Merzlyakov arrived in Azerbaijan. French Co-Chair Bernard Fassier will not arrive in Azerbaijan this time. The mediators will hold meetings with Azerbaijani officials and hold discussions on Karabakh peace process. It is noteworthy, that this is the Russian Co-Chair’s last visit to the region. According to APA, new Russian envoy Igor Popov arrived in Baku with Yuri Merzlyakov. Earlier, on March 26-29, the mediators had visited Yerevan and Nagorno-Karabakh.

A.G.