ANKARA - Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc has returned to Ankara after an official visit to Azerbaijan. He was the guest of Azerbaijani Parliament's Speaker Murtuz Alasgarov.
In a press conference at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Arinc said that he met and had discussions with the Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Artur Rasizade and many Azeri officials.
Arinc told reporters that his meeting with Azeri executives focused on the development of bilateral relations. ''We especially discussed ways to make our relations better,'' remarked Arinc.
Arinc indicated that Turkey is for the solution of the Upper Karabagh problem, a region under Armenian occupation. ''We want Armenian tyranny which makes one million displaced, all Azeris, to end. We will work closely with Azerbaijan regarding this matter,'' expressed Arinc.
Arinc went on to say that Turkey must be a dynamic country that resolves disputes, and capable of taking initiatives in its region. ''The problems of Azerbaijan deserve assistance from Turkey. Our brothers expect a far more active international diplomacy from Turkey. Our historical mission and strength are all we need for an active political role,'' stated Arinc.
Asked about his views on north of Iraq, Arinc elaborated that Turkey has drawn global attention to the demographic changes made in this region. ''Undoubtedly, the elections in Iraq was full of wrong and unfair practices. We all know that the steps taken in Iraq to this day have not been helpful in the re-construction and democratization of Iraq,'' commented Arinc.
In response to a question on the Israeli-Palestinian Summit in Sharm El Sheikh town of Egypt, Arinc replied that the election of Mahmood Abbas as the president of Palestine has been a very positive step towards the restoration of democracy in Palestine. ''Abbas's election is a new chance for peace in the region. The establishment of a permanent peace in the Middle East will positively affect the whole world.''
Arinc added that an independent Palestine, whose recognized boundaries are secure, is what Turkey wishes to realize.