– What do you think about the future of Turkish-Armenian normalization process?
– I hope that the ratification process can continue. And it is very important that no one is putting conditions that were not mentioned in the protocols [signed by Armenia and Turkey in Zurich in October 2009]. I do not want to point out a particular partner, but I think it is important now that both countries stick to the process.
I am a politician and I know that this is a political process that must be very difficult. But I hope that sides are not abolishing the whole process or postponing if for too long.
– Are you following the Nagorno Karabakh peace talks?
– Yes, very closely. And there has been recent very dangerous and unfortunate development, which can escalate into more. I hope that both parties will try to calm down the situation and maintain the ceasefire.
– Do you think that the Council of Europe should play a more active role in the Nagorno Karabakh peace process?
– When it comes to mediation or to final solution, we cannot play a role, because it is in the hands of OSCE Minsk Group. It is important that everybody recognizes this process and not tries to have some kind of side show. We cannot duplicate, because any duplication will be a kind of confusion of the situation, and nobody wants to have this. And if we are asked, we can facilitate and try to have programs that can bring two parties together on different levels.
– What do you think about the possibility of a new war between Azerbaijan and Armenia?
– It is always possible as long as you have not resolved the conflict, and that is why we have to avoid that kind of incidents that we have been known. Any escalation can easily develop very fast and get out of control. And I would like to mention here that when entering Council of Europe Azerbaijan and Armenia committed themselves to resolve the conflict in the peaceful manner through negotiations.