The meeting of representatives of civil society of Turkey and Armenia, confidence building measures between the two is normal.
However, the contacts do not mean the opening of the Turkish -Armenian border, since the liberation of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan is a prerequisite for this.
The statement came from deputy chairman of the Democratic Reforms Party Asim Mollazade .
"Trust-building measures between Armenia and Turkey is perceived by us normally”, he said. “The boundaries between the states were closed due to the occupation of the territory of Azerbaijan, and its liberation is a prerequisite for their opening.
"Since the occupation [ of 20% of the territory of Azerbaijan ], there has not been any change in the situation with the border ," he added , noting that the firm position of Turkey in the opening of borders with Armenia has repeatedly been expressed by officials of this country.
MP confirmed that Turkey has always been ready to normalize relations with Armenia and was one of the first countries to recognize its independence.
However, the opening of borders will only happen after the withdrawal of Armenian forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts.
Ankara is on position of keeping borders with Armenia closed unless the territorial conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is resolved. However, civil societies of Turkey and Armenia, as well as various departments periodically hold meetings.
The latest information about a similar meeting was provided in the Turkish and Armenian media. The source reported that a secret meeting between Turkish and Armenian border guards was held in Gumri (Armenia). The sides discussed the prospects for joint work governed by international legal norms.
According to Mollazade, information about such a meeting is provocative. He explains his doubts by saying that Armenia is limited in protection of its borders.
"Armenia has practically lost its independence: its boundaries are under the control of another state, the army is also built on the basis of the armed forces of another country”, he said. “Therefore, Armenia today looks like a military outpost and not like an independent country”.
Source news.az
