Politicians predict negative impact of Turkish reforms on situation in Azerbaijan

The outcomes of the constitutional referendum in Turkey will have a negative impact on the political processes in Azerbaijan and lead to strengthening of authoritarianism and anti-Western rhetoric in the country. This was stated by the politicians interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot".

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the referendum on Turkey’s transition to the presidential form of government was held on April 16. The proposed amendments are greatly expanding the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The supporters of constitutional changes have won, the “Anadolu” News Agency reports.

The outcome of the referendum in Turkey will affect political processes in Azerbaijan, "because of close relations of the peoples of the two countries," said Gyultekin Gadjibeili, member of the Coordinating Centre of the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF).

"The referendum outcomes will not contribute to the development of democracy both in this country and in Azerbaijan," she said.

The referendum "has split the Turkish society," said Natig Djafarli, the executive secretary of the Movement “Republican Alternative” (ReAl).

He believes that "the anti-Western rhetoric in Turkey may spread to Azerbaijan and still further impede the country advance to Western values."

At the same time, in his opinion, the referendum will not affect the development of interstate relations.

Arif Gadjily, the Chairman of the “Musavat” Party, does not expect any serious changes in Turkey's domestic and foreign policy.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.