Turkey's ruling, opposition parties condemn Armenia over clashes with Azerbaijan

Photo: AA

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Four of five parties that have a group in the parliament have condemned Armenia over the recent military clashes with Azerbaijan.

The statement was signed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) its ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and İYİ (Good) Party.

Sixteen soldiers and one civilian are reportedly have been killed in clashes from both sides since Sunday (July 12).

"As the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, we strongly condemn the attacks carried out by the armed forces of Armenia starting from July 12 on Azerbaijan's Tovuz region," said the statement read out by the deputy parliamentary speaker Süreyya Sadi Bilgiç.

"These attacks, which set a new example of the known aggressive attitude of Armenia, which has been occupying Azerbaijani land, Upper Karabakh and its surrounding areas for years, are the biggest obstacle to permanent peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

"We invite the international community to show the necessary reaction to this behavior of Armenia, which disregards rights and law. We repeat our support for a peaceful settlement of the Upper Karabakh conflict within the framework of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized borders and territorial integrity.

"Armenia should abide by the UN Security Council and OSCE decisions and withdraw from Azerbaijani territory it occupies.

"Turkey, which has always been a defender of peace and stability with the understanding of 'two states, one nation,' will continue to stand with Azerbaijan in its efforts to restore its territorial integrity." (EKN/VK)