"GARABAGH IS NOT COLONY, IT IS A PART OF AZERBAIJAN" OR HOW TERRY DAVIS DIDN’T JUSTIFY ARMENIANS’ HOPES

DemAz.org
Nov 28 2007
Azerbaijan

Yerevan expected arrival of high rank guest impatiently. The fact
that official Yerevan regards democratization process of society,
development of democratic institutes of Armenia as gradually
developing, expecting only praise on the part of person of such rank,
explains it. Armenians also expected deviation of Terry Davis from
principal position on the Upper Garabagh.

They expected but were mistaken. Terry Davis once again stated that
international community recognizes the Upper Garabagh territory under
occupation as a part of Azerbaijan, and it doesn’t recognize the
so-called "presidential elections" there. Terry Davis also reminded
Armenian politicians who draw parallels between English colonies that
gained independence and Garabagh, that "Garabagh is not colony, it is
a part of Azerbaijan", having added that the history of his country
knows just "one exception – North Ireland which was not allowed to
come apart from the United Kingdom". High rank guest didn’t recognize
municipality elections held in October 2007 in unrecognized "Upper
Garabagh Republic", explaining that Council of Europe is not obliged
to comment all events, for example, "parade of sexual minorities held
in some European countries".

"It is OSCE Minsk Group that deals with the Upper Garabagh problem,
Council of Europe doesn’t directly deal with this issue. Moreover,
there are many obstacles relating to this problem. So many elections
are held in the region that it is difficult to regulate the conflict.

Relatively positive results achieved in the course of elections in
Armenia may be positive for solving this issue", declared Secretary
General of the Council of Europe and again condemned elections held in
self-recognized "Upper Garabagh Republic": "World community doesn’t
recognize the Upper Garabagh, it is not a separate country, election
held there are not recognized and won’t be recognized".

Apparently, Armenians decided to take Council of Europe this way
otherwise how their attacks against Secretary General of Council of
Europe made at press conference in Yerevan can be explained: "Terry
Davis shows serious personal interest in Azerbaijani oil that is why
he makes such statement in Armenia…".

Leader of separatists of Garabagh is of the same opinion: "Statements
of Terry Davis do not comply with interests of Armenians". As if
deeds of present Armenian authorities, dictates and expression of any
kind of dissent, policy pursued by high rank relating to electorate,
comply with interests of Armenians. Perhaps regional economic isolation
to which leaders of Armenia and maybe the only enemies of Armenian
nation, dashnaks, pushed their country, comply with the interest
of this nation. Recently Prime Minister of Armenia, Serj Sarkisyan,
made known position of Armenian party on regulation Garabagh problem:
right of people of Nagorni Garabagh to self-determination should be
recognized internationally, and all conditions should be provided
for realization of this right. Armenia and "Upper Garabagh Republic"
should have common frontier and security of people and frontiers of
"Upper Garabagh Republic" should be. Mr. Serj Sarkisyan, making known
position of Armenian party forgot to clarify one detail – what does
he mean under the notion "people of the Upper Garabagh"? You will say
that it is clear. It is clear but it is not lawful if Serj Sarkisyan
appeals to such notions.

And what can we do with the rights of Azerbaijanis ousted from
their historical motherland, which belonged to their ancestors
for centuries. For some reasons this fact is not taken into
consideration. Accordingly to leader of separatists from "Upper
Garabagh Republic", Bako Saakyan, development of economy in
self-recognized "republic" will enable to achieve international
recognition: "We understand very well that economically developed
country with efficient governing system and strong army, will have
more chances to be presented before civilized world in a worthy way".

However development of what economy is told is a riddle though he
indicated agricultural sector as key factor. Yes, they are second to
none in production of mulberry vodka and its usage.

Making speech at gala night in Los Angeles, organized by all-Armenian
Fund "Ayastan". Bako Saakyan, said that the Upper Garabagh will never
be a part of Azerbaijan. And there he traveled to get diaspora money:
"Continuing formed traditions we can lead inter-cooperation of Arzakh
(the way they call the Upper Garabagh) and diaspora to proper level.

I’m sure that together we will do everything for making Arzakh the
pride of every Armenian, independent, great and Armenian". Under
inter-cooperation one should understand collection of money:
All-Armenian fund "Ayastan" has already collected 1,4 mln. Euro for
villages of Armenia and the Upper Garabagh. Reportedly 1,1 mln. Euro
is collected. 250 000 US dollars were collected in Argentine. And
it is not a limit. Collection of currency is going on. We should
remind that TV marathon held November 23, 2006 brought 13,7 mln. of
donation. No one can guarantee that these money won’t be spent for
weapon and creation of "strong army", dreamt by world beggar, Bako
Saakyan, with stretched hand and pity face, crossing the ranges of
wealthy compatriots abroad taking there tear and money and justifying
his separatism by impossibility of coexistence with Azerbaijanis.

Armenian Prime Minister went far in this issue, having explained
reason of Garabagh conflict by religious factor. "We have been
avoiding considering this factor, speaking about it within the frames
of relations not only with Turkey, but also with neighbor Azerbaijan.

However contrary to our wish this factor exists and it is weighty
enough. It is serious factor. If we consider it in the context of
millenniums then probably it will turn to be that religious factor
is the only reason of our conflict". – This is from the records of
the meeting held between S. Sarkisyan with editorial staff of "Los
Angeles Times".

Later refused his own words, Armenian Prime Minister declared that
his words were misinterpreted and that he never said that Garabagh
problem is religiously motivated. But following his assertion there
exists religious factor in Garabagh conflict. His words were cited
by all mass media in Armenia and some US editions.

"Tolerance is characteristic feature of Azerbaijani nation, and the
one who has no unbiased information can dispute on this. Accordingly
to statistics in Azerbaijan there live representatives of 141 nations,
22 are living in compact state. It is interesting that living close
to Azerbaijanis these nations didn’t assimilate with them, each of
them preserved their language, traditions and culture".

– Lev Spivak, chief executive of international association "Israel –
Azerbaijan" expressed his vision this way.

And here is the view of chairman of community of mountain Jews, Semen
Ikhilov: "Our tolerance is so high that it represents example for all
the world. As for inter-religious conflicts I don’t remember such in
Azerbaijan. How one can say that some religion can’t live peacefully
in Azerbaijan? Is it true? As we remember well, Armenians lived here
in the best conditions: in the best apartments in the best regions
of Baku, they occupied governing posts in administrative bodies,
in constructions, in service, leading sections…"