AZERBAIJANI YOUNG MEN SHARE OPINIONS

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
22 Sept 04

During the seminar held in Tsakhkadzor recently I met with two young
representatives of Azerbaijan. They shared their opinions and
impressions from the seminar, the role of the youth in the settlement
of the conflict and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Karabakh.

Hamlet ISMAILOV, Baku, director of the center of public diplomacy and
tolerance. `To be honest, I did not expect such a warm welcome. From
the very beginning, reaching Bagratashen, I watched the frontier
guards with suspect but everything was alright and they treated usin a
friendly and attentive manner. I want to thank all those boys who
protectedus but I must mention that we did not have to protect us at
all because everybody treated us well, which is very important for
us. Of course, at the beginning during the group discussions there
were disagreements between the Armenian young people and us in
reference to the problem of Nagorni Karabakh. However, little by
little we achieved mutual understanding. To tell the truth, I had
expected that as soon as we arrived we would hear accusations
addressed to Azerbaijan. Contradicting opinions were expressed only
during the debates. As to Nagorni Karabakh, we must continue
cooperation at least through Armenia because presently there is no
communication between Baku and Stepanakert. I think through seminars
and exchange programs we will achieve certain results in the upcoming
ten years. If I came to Armenia and everything is good, then I am
willing to participate in seminars in Karabakh as well. Of course, I
am not sure how we will be received because we are living at martial
law. I hope that the organization will be on a high level. During the
seminar there were certainmoments which I did not like. For example,
certain participants said they would speak Armenian because they lived
in Armenia. Or, during the group works Armenianyoung people suggested
to keep two minutes of silence in respect for the Armenian officer
killed in Budapest by an Azerbaijani. Yes, I think it was a crime, and
I agree that that man did not do a good thing but I cannot hold two
minutesof silence in respect for him. In Azerbaijan many are willing
to solve the problems between the two countries in a peaceful way but
there are also people who have the opposite opinion. If the problem is
not solved soon, unfortunately everything will lead to a war which is
not favourable for any of the parties. I think we should better
cooperate, for example in the economic sphere than fight. And we must
be aware that we must compromise, I mean the both parties. Of course,
I am for Karabakh being a sovereign republic within Azerbaijan granted
with big authorities. We lost Karabakh about 15 years ago and we must
thinkof how to attract the people of Karabakh to Azerbaijan. In my
opinion, for Armenia also it is profitable to cooperate with
Azerbaijan. I think that president Kocharian should arrive at the
point that it is time to cooperate with Turkey and Azerbaijan. As to
the role of the youth in the settlement of the conflict, I think that
neither in Armenia and Karabakh, nor in Azerbaijan youth plays any
role. Although they say the youth is the future of a country but the
settlement of the problem is ascribed to the politicians who should,
for example, learn a lesson from this seminar during which the young
people try to come to certain agreement.’

Roman TEMNIKOV, Baku, Vice chairman to the analytic center ` Country,
Democracy and Culture’. `This is my first visit toArmenia and frankly
speaking I was deeply impressed by how we were received. Everybody
knows that our countries are not on good terms. Naturally I came here
with precaution but to our joy we were received very well. From the
very beginning I felt the kind attitude of not only the citizens but
also the officers and soldiers of the defence army of Armenia. And
those on whose part I had expected hostile attitudes surrounded me
with warm treatment. I am glad to meat here Armenian young people not
only from the towns of Armenia but also Nagorni Karabakh. Attitudes
on both parties were so warm and friendly that it seemed there had
been no conflict between us. During these days I was endlessly
surprised at the resemblance of Armenia and Azerbaijan in terms of the
landscape, customs, even dishes. Actually both the nations both fought
and lived side by side. This was obviously felt during the seminar
from the relationships between the Azerbaijanis and the Armenians. The
seminar was beneficial for the youth. Although it bore the name
`Caucasus in Europe’ the important thing was development of
cooperation. All the games organized during the seminar at first sight
seemed childish and senseless. But as soon as you think on the meaning
of these games and exercises, you understand that they are directed at
development of cooperation and supporting relationships. I am happy
that within the framework of the seminar we were given a chance to see
Yerevan which is really a beautiful city. We gladly visited the
ancient fortress of Yerevan, Erebuni. Before visiting here I had met
Armenians in Georgia, then they came to Baku and we had a long time
together but I had never met people from Karabakh. During this first
meeting I became sure that it is possible to talk quietly, to get on
well with them. It should be mentioned that this time too they were
very tolerant. In brief, I am pleased with the meeting. And if there
is any opportunity to take part in any undertaking in Karabakh I will
gladly receive the invitation. I will not be the first Azerbaijani
there because a number of reporters of different Azerbaijani mass
media and representatives of public organizations have visited
Karabakh. As to the role of the youth, I think that young people have
an important role in the settlement of problems. During the seminar I
met young people who have formed as individuals already. I am sure
that in the future they will occupy certain posts in their
countries. And naturally such people may havetheir influence upon the
country’s politics, and why not also of other states. I am sure the
problem will be solved soon, and why not through today’s youth. On the
cooperation between Karabakh and Azerbaijan I will say that presently
it is impossible for the simple reason that the conflict is continuing
still. Although there has been cease-fire for 10 ten years now, the
conflict has not been settled yet. The status of Nagorni Karabakh is
not certain yet, therefore Azerbaijan cannot establish economic,
diplomatic relations with Karabakh. Naturally, after the settlement
of the conflict everything will be settled.And in joint undertakings
(I mean those made through other countries) I think the status of
Karabakh will not obstruct the participation of Karabakh
representatives. And we may cooperate peacefully. If we view the
situation realistically, we should confess that there is normal
cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia, Armenia and Georgia but
the cooperation of the three countries is hindered by the unsettled
conflict. Of course, the integration of all the countries of the South
Caucasus would be ideal. In that case we would advance quietly and
integrate in the European Council. I think this is the dream of the
three states. But before that we have to solve all our conflicts.’

ANAHIT DANIELIAN.
22-09-2004