Sharmazanov: There can be "strong signals" in the matter of return of Armenian side-controlled territories only if Baku recognizes Artsakh's independence

There can be "strong signals" in the matter of return of the Armenian side-controlled territories around Nagorno-Karabakh only after Baku recognizes Artsakh's independence and Artsakh people's right to self-determination, Eduard Sharmazanov, Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament, Spokesman for the ruling Republican Party of Armenia, has told ArmInfo, when commenting on Turkish President's Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin's statement that "in case Armenia withdraws its troops from the occupied lands of Azerbaijan, the processes will become more positive" and that "there are currently strong signals in this direction".   

Sharmazanov notes that first of all the matter should concern the return of the Azerbaijan-controlled Armenian villages of Getashen, Martunashen, Artsvashen. "In addition, Turkey is not the country to speak about the return of other countries' territories. Turkey had better de-occupy Northern Cyprus," the Vice Speaker says.

To note, Turkish President's Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said today that in case Armenia withdraws its troops from the "occupied lands of Azerbaijan", the processes will become more positive. "There are currently strong signals in this direction. If they are implemented, the whole spectrum of Turkey-Azerbaijan- Armenia relations will be facilitated," Kalin said.