Tensions increase in Azerbaijani-Turkish relations

The relations between two regional allies, Turkey and Azerbaijan, are in a state of crisis once again. The Azerbaijani authorities are indignant over Turkey's initiative to establish an air route with Armenia.

According to media, the Turkish air company Bora Jet is going to start flights to the Armenian capital, Yerevan. Azerbaijan believes that the Turkish government has something to do with the idea.

The fact that Turkish President Abdullah Gul immediately congratulated Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarsgyan on his victory at the presidential elections was also a very unpleasant surprise for Azerbaijan.

On Saturday a representative of the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan party said that the Turkish authorities should make an official statement on the establishment of the Van-Yerevan air route. Officials of the Azerbaijani presidential staff have expressed the same opinion.

The response the Turkish authorities have made so far appears to have been insufficient. According to the Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ismayil Alper Coskun, the initiative of the private air company has nothing to do with the official position of the Turkish cabinet.

“The Azerbaijani media and society are well acquainted with the position of Turkey on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Armenia. However, Turkish ambassadors to Azerbaijan have announced their positions on this up to now. The Turkish President, Prime Minister, officials and the Speaker of Parliament have clearly announced their positions on this issue. The flights from Yerevan to Turkey are operated by private companies. As media report, these are commercial flights. Private companies have no problems in Turkey in carrying out these activities,” the ambassador is quoted as saying by the APA agency.