"WEST AND RUSSIA HAVE TO STOP HELPING ARMENIA UNTIL IT LETS GO OF SOMETHING THAT DOESN’T BELONG TO IT"

Today
66807.html
April 27 2010
Azerbaijan

Interview with Mike Hancock, member of the British Parliament, a member
of the Monitoring Committee and Committee on Political Affairs of PACE.

Recently, a group of British parliamentarians, led by yourself,
appealed to the parliament to recognize the Khojaly genocide. What
are the chances of a positive solution to this issue by the British
Parliament?

I do not know whether the parliament will recognizes it or not, but
what we want is to be sure that none of the British parliamentarians
to be indifferent to these events. We keep this issue on the agenda
so that more MPs were aware of the tragedy.

The Armenian diaspora is very good at presenting one side of the world
history. We want to make a picture more objective by presenting
the view of the Azerbaijani side. I will continue to do so in
order to produce an increasing interest in the British parliament
and government to help find a solution to this problem through
the European Union or through their influence on the Minsk Group,
or through the participation of deputies of the European Parliament
and the Council of Europe.

I recently had a very interesting meeting in Moscow with the Russian
co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group. I have met him several times before,
but this time I felt that he was much more optimistic about progress
in the Karabakh process. And I think that events such as genocide
give people a real opportunity to realize that this is not about some
abstract concepts, but facts rather painful for many people.

Azerbaijan is unhappy that the countries co-chairing the OSCE Minsk
Group are trying to alleviate the socio-economic situation in Armenia,
instead of addressing root causes, that is, ending occupation of
Azerbaijani lands…

I think its a very big mistake by these countries. What we need to do
is make Armenia’s position more sensible. Despite worsening economic
situation, Armenia persistently continues the occupation of 20% of
another country’s territory. I think that the West, Russia, all have
to say to Yerevan: "We will not help you as long as you hold what
doesnt belong to you." And it seems ridiculous that these countries
help Armenia, instead of putting pressure on it. In my opinion,
they need to change this approach.

What your comments on Azerbaijan’s statement that some countries
should not impose on Turkey a peace with Armenia, but normalize
relations between the two countries through settlement of the Karabakh
problem. In your opinion, will Baku be able to persuade what is that
it is effect, but not cause?

Besides Azerbaijan, Turkey is also interested in standing together in
addressing common challenges. One should not yield to Armenia. In my
view, it would be a tragic mistake, a betrayal of all that has been
defended in the past 20 years. I think it is important that Turkey
remains committed to Azerbaijan.

The biggest challenge that you face is the continuing threat posed
by the extremely influential Armenian diaspora. So, you need to
strengthen your diaspora. You have a great president and a very
educated, literate population. You need to extend your activities
across the world and to set them against what Armenians say.

Anyone who leaves Azerbaijan, not matter whether for work, vacation
or training, should become an envoy of the republic. And each of them
must be prepared to stand up and declare what it means to grow up in
the country, 20% of which is held under occupation. For the younger
generation it is their whole life, and this is something that many
people in the West can understand. Young people must themselves tell
this story.