It's hard to say if Azerbaijan is getting ready to take a historic position, preparing to recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh Republic or the opposite, but one thing is clear: after the recently Moscow meeting of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan some positive signs from various levels are coming from Azerbaijan on compromise talk and peace with Armenia
In the past 30 days I have seen at least three publications and views in the leading media sources of Azerbaijan on talking to Armenia, compromising for peace and milestones already achieved. These signs can be critiqued and praises. There will always be more than on opinion about them. However, peace loving minds from both sides and the international community should praise and encourage further developments that will lead on comprise and achieve peace between Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh.
Let's look at those three courageous signals one by one.
In a story, published on July 28 in ABC.AZ, Azerbaijan's Green Party announced that the party stands for peace talks with Armenia. "I'm against military actions in Garabagh. I’m sure Azerbaijan is able to return its legal lands in a way of peace talks," party chair Mais Gulaliyev said. It's hard to say what Mr. Gulaliyev means by "legal lands," but when he says that he is against military actions, that's a very good sign.
The second and third signs came today. As you can see the interval is intensifying and giving hopeful signs that before the next meeting of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan there will be a lot of background work done to prepare both nations to compromise and honorable peace.
Rasim Musabekov, a leading political expert, who occasionally voices is opinion on Karabakh issue and has not differed from the official position of Azerbaijan, today tells Day.az that "it will be impossible for the Karabakh conflict resolution to advance without compromise." While he still uses the word military, saying Azerbaijan may return the territories by military means, the appearance of the word compromise in his vocabulary is a welcome sign.
The third and encouraging sign came today from a deputy of Azerbaijan's National Assembly. Aidin Mirzazade tells in today's Day.az that there is no need for peacekeeping forces between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Stressing the achievement of Armenia and Azerbaijan to respect peaceful ceasefire already for 15 years he says that Armenians and Azeris have lived in peace for a long time and they can find common language. Although he says that sooner or later Armenian and Azerbaijanis will live on the same territory in one state, he stops short of explaining that thought.
As I read these interviews two things stand out for me. In Azerbaijan, either with the blessing of the government or without it, there emerge politial leaders that talk about peace, compromise and achievements between the two nations.
Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh have clearly stated their position. The status of Nagorno Karabakh is crucial in the further advance of the negotiation process. Nagorno Karabakh has voted for independence already more than 10 years ago and an entire new generation has risen that has not seen what Azerbaijan's rule whatsoever. They have stated that they do not want to live under Azerbaijan's control in one state because during the Soviet years their human and cultural rights have been violated and Azerbaijan started war on Karabakh late in 1980s.
The president of Azerbaijan Mr Ilham Aliyev and the above-mentioned politicians are educated people and realize that with force they can't bring Nagorno Karabakh back to Azerbaijan's control. Therefore speaking of compromise is a welcome sign if this is supported by the ruling establishment.
Armenia has repeatedly spoken of compromise before. Some territories for peace and Independence of Nagorno Karabakh with a corridor with Armenia seems to be a very reasonable and fair compromise leading to lasting peace in the region.
Written by Armen Hareyan
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
