You have just returned from Georgia, where representatives of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia discussed the prospects for peace in the region. Can you share your impressions of what you heard from the Armenian participants? Do you feel they are ready for a real normalization of relations with Azerbaijan?
There are people in Azerbaijan who want peace, an end to the Karabakh conflict, real democracy, order and the rule of law. This is the same in Armenia. Messrs Hayrikyan, Vanyan and other Armenian participants from the democratic camp who see no benefit for Armenia from the continuation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, wars with its neighbours or the domination of authoritarian rule, but see the benefit in real democracy. And Mr Hayrikyan’s speech concerned the improvement of democratic standards and ensuring the real participation of citizens in governance.
Did you have a chance to talk to the Armenian participants on the sidelines of the conference?
I got to know Mr Hayrikyan closely for the first time. In fact, we first communicated back in 1990 at the General Congress of the USSR, but when I first talked to him closely, I could see that he was more concerned about security, the rights of Armenian citizens and some other issues.
I can say the same about the other Armenian participants who had a good attitude towards Azerbaijan and wished for a speedy resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
It is pleasant to hear this. Do you think there many people who share this opinion in Armenia? Do they enjoy any influence in Armenian society?
I don't think there are any more than in Azerbaijan. Propaganda in our societies is monotonous and identical. Eventually, more and more people will understand that it is counterproductive for both nations. But people who think this way are in the minority as yet. No-one authorized members of this minority – either him or me – we were free to come here and participate in this event.
But I'm sure the number of such people will increase.
May such contacts contribute to rapprochement in the positions of Baku and Yerevan on Karabakh?
Those people, those forces in Azerbaijani and Armenian societies who want the conflict to be resolved with respect for both nations, should work together to come up with a solution that would ensure the security of Karabakh Armenians and Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. I think it is the right decision.
Let’s imagine that such a concept has already been developed - how can it be implemented and mutual distrust overcome?
I would like Azerbaijanis and Armenians to develop this idea together. For example, if I put forward such an initiative, the Armenian side will have suspicions about it and say that "Zardusht Alizade is preparing a trap for the Armenians."
If such an initiative were developed by Armenians, Azerbaijanis would think the same way. But if this idea is worked out by a joint group of influential and respected figures, even by politicians, society will take it more seriously.
SOURCE: NEWS.AZ
