November 29, 2012 - 17:26 AMT
Turkish scientist says economic interests behind pro-Azeri policy

Annual international forum titled “Dynamics of regional security in South Caucasus” organized by the Institute for National Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia and Political Science Association of Armenia, kicked off in Yerevan Nov 29, with rector of Kadir Has University (KHU) Prof. Mustafa Aydın representing Turkey.

“Turkey pursues pro-Azerbaijani policy, rather than anti-Armenian, with economic and other interests behind it,” he said.

“Ankara-Baku ties bear a strategic character,” Prof. Aydın said, adding that relations with Armenia are characterized by disagreements, rather than hostile attitude.

Asked about the transfer of Azerbaijani axe-killer Ramil Safarov to Baku, he said, “I condemn the move.”

Dwelling on the Armenian Genocide, Prof. Aydın dubbed the occurrence mass killings, stressing the need for opening of border.