ISTANBUL

Türkiye welcomes Azerbaijan's decision not to attend a meeting on Karabakh in the Spanish city of Granada, AK Party spokesperson Omer Celik said on Wednesday. 

"(Azerbaijani President) Mr. Aliyev canceled his visit to Spain because Türkiye's participation was not accepted as a condition for the meeting. We would like to express our appreciation for this," he said.

"France, Germany, EU, and Armenia will attend the meeting. They invite Azerbaijan, but Türkiye is not there. Can you imagine?" he asked.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has refused to attend Thursday's meeting on the Karabakh settlement in Granada, Spain, which is expected to include Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and leaders from the EU, France, and Germany.

Azerbaijan insisted on Türkiye's participation, but Germany and France strongly opposed it, Azerbaijani news agencies reported on Wednesday, citing sources in the presidential administration.

Baku said it does not see the need to participate in negotiations of this format after pro-Armenian statements by French officials, a visit by French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna to Armenia, statements about the supply of weapons and ammunition, and accusations against Azerbaijan by EU Council President Charles Michel.

"Azerbaijan does not need such a format. Baku sees no need to discuss the problems of the region with countries far from the region," the Azerbaijani Presidency was quoted as saying.

Celik said the only thing the Minsk Group does is prolong the process in favor of the Armenian occupation.

"Karabakh has returned to its rightful owner, Azerbaijan," he added.

While Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan fully supports Azerbaijan, he also has made a call that will contribute to the entire region, Celik said.

"The absence of our President and Türkiye at this table means that they are uncomfortable with Karabakh returning to Azerbaijan," he added.

"Aliyev's decision not to go means a rejection of a lack of resolution."

The Azerbaijani army initiated an anti-terrorism initiative in Karabakh on Sept. 19 to establish constitutional order in the region.

Illegal Armenian armed forces in Karabakh surrendered after the 24-hour counter-terrorism steps.

Following such measures, Azerbaijan, having established full sovereignty in the region, has called on the Armenian population to become part of Azerbaijani society.