This is an editorial comment by commonspace.eu
Commonspace.eu has had occasion in the past to chastise the governments of both Armenia and Azerbaijan for their intransigence in their dealings with each other, and to criticise their failure to prepare public opinion in their respective countries for any eventual peace deal in their long and bitter conflict. It is therefore only right that we should express our delight at the presence of an Armenian team at the 1st European Games which opened in Baku on Friday. Such a presence required the active involvement of the two governments at the highest political level, and the fact that it is taking place is noteworthy and commendable. It is true that there had been sports exchanges before in the context of international events, but the 1st European Games were by far a larger and more high profile occasion.
Speaking ahead of the Games the Azerbaijani Minister of Sports, Azad Rahimov, said that the two countries had managed to agree a formula that would allow them to participate in events at each other's venues. This of course entailed mutual guarantees for the security and welfare of the sportsmen and women concerned, and one assumes also mutual understandings to ensure that such participation will take place in a dignified manner.
This was clearly the case at the opening ceremony of the 1st European Games - one has to say not an easy task when crowds of tens of thousands are involved, and in the current climate of relations between the two countries otherwise.
The Games are not over yet, but we hope that the Olympic spirit will continue to prevail until the end.
The scenes from Baku 2015 are a source of encouragement for those who like us have hoped for and believed in a peace settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The momentum should not be lost. As was stated by the Azerbaijani Minister, plans are already in place for Armenia to participate in the World Chess Olympiad in Baku in 2016. The sides should consider also bilateral exchanges, outside international events, or hosting smaller regional events with the participation also of Georgia.
Sports is often a source of competition, but it is often also a source for building friendship. Politicians will do well to learn from this experience.
For the moment however, Well done Armenia! Well done Azerbaijan! You have both won before the first game had even started.
This commentary was prepared by the editorial team of commonspace.eu.
Photo: The Armenian Team entering the arena of the opening ceremony of the 1st European Games in Baku on 12 June 2015. (Picture courtesy of Baku 2015).
