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Head of the Yerevan-based Helsinki Association for Human Rights Mikael Danielyan, in an interview with the Baku-based Turan news agency, spoke of reconciliation after settlement, the Khojaly and Sumgait tragedies, and the joint struggles of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, as reported by Contact.az.
Q: Is it possible to achieve reconciliation between Armenians and Azerbaijanis in general? If so, what steps should be taken by the Armenian side, and what steps by Azerbaijan? This applies to both the authorities and ordinary citizens. Yerevan’s position is tough enough in the settlement. Does it reflect the sentiments of ordinary citizens? Is there a “party of peace” or just a “war party in Armenia today?”
A: Rigidity is a position of not only Yerevan, but also of Baku. Both sides speak of using force. There is no “peace party” in Armenia or Azerbaijan. There are some political figures. About Armenia, I can say that they may be the closest ones to such a concept including politicians supporting liberal-democratic values. They are among the opposition Armenian National Congress and among the newly emerged Free Democrats. I am sure that such people exist in Azerbaijan, but unfortunately, obviously not in power. Today’s authorities in our republics just create the illusion of reconciliation and settlement in words, and in fact continue the policy of war.
Definitely, reconciliation is possible after settlement. A settlement occurs after bilateral understanding of repentance is apparent. I’m not talking about blind religious repentance. In fact, outside of the republics, Armenians and Azerbaijanis chat nicely, making friends and conducting business together. The question is actually solved, and the case is small – to change the power on both sides. We should stop addressing any issues that can be solved by ourselves. To do this there are enough minds in our republics.
Q: Recently, Azerbaijan marked the 20th anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy, and the Armenians marked the tragedy in Sumgayit. What do you think happened here and there? Who is responsible for these events?
A: The nationalists of all stripes and different nationalities, skilful “provocateurs” from various offices… And there are rude people, of which there are a lot in both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Q: How do you explain that Armenians and Azeris (Turks) from time to time throughout history fight and pour blood, and then make peace? Why is this happening?
A: For me, the answer is simple and single – mentality.
Q: Do you think it is possible to implement joint projects and programs with colleagues from Azerbaijan? What can now bring together the civil societies of both countries? What issues and topics will be considered relevant to both peoples and societies?
A: With my colleagues from Azerbaijan I have old and, in my opinion, good friendship. We are not just involved in a variety of joint programs. Our people are struck by one and the same thing – complete disregard and defiance of the fundamental rights and freedoms by the authorities, both in Armenia and Azerbaijan. And the joint struggle against the tyranny of those in power can and has moved closer the representatives of our civil societies.
Q: Do you believe that under the current regime in Armenia a breakthrough can be achieved on the settlement of the conflict?
A: Peaceful settlement of the conflict is possible only under legitimate and democratic government, both in Armenia and Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, the authorities in our republics today benefit from the current “status quo”.
Q: In Azerbaijan, there is a perception that Armenia is not an independent state and acts, according to the will of Moscow. Do you agree with that?
A: Armenia is an independent state. Another thing is that the Armenian authorities are under strong Russian control. We have Russian military bases, which certainly affects the political course. On the other hand, the states hosting US military bases, or say, Russian ones, are also independent.
Well, if we are fair to the end – not just Armenia is under the control or under the influence of Russia in one way or another.
What would you say about the European countries that receive gas? And what do you think about the recent debate in the US Congress to abolish the Jackson-Vanik amendment? Everybody respects Russia with its imperial manners and the leaders who came from the KGB. It’s another thing altogether whether I like it or not. The answer is simple — no.
Q: What do you think about France’s Constitutional Council rejecting the law criminalizing denial of Armenian Genocide?
A: Even before the Constitutional Council of France, I answered this question from Armenian journalists, saying that such a law is contrary to human rights, and the right to freedom of speech and expression.
Q: How would you predict events if Robert Kocharian returned to power in Armenia?
A: Well, is he going to come back?