Commentary of Chairman of Public Organization of Refugees of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Mr.Sarasar Saryan: Web-site “Karabakh”- peace appeal” has appeared in the Internet. In principle, it must serve as a basis for reconciliation of an open dialogue between the societies of the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
At first sight, it is a brilliant idea – it seems that the Azerbaijani side has at last taken a step towards creation of an atmosphere of mutual trust. However, when you begin to get acquainted with the project closer and the working group’s appeal you feel disappointment because along with outwardly true, attractive words about peace and good neighborly relations the designers of the project (a number of Azerbaijani NGO-s, including the associations of refugees) use the irksome terminology of the Azerbaijani propaganda, in particular, trying to present realization of Nagorno Karabakh people’s right to self-determination in their historical homeland - Artsakh as “the territorial claims of Armenia on Azerbaijan”.
One-sided presentation of the situation, hidden threats between words can hardly promote realization of an idea of reconciliation of an open dialogue for which the abovementioned Azerbaijani project allegedly stands for. Thus, the working group of the site states that “Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh, being the citizens of Azerbaijan, must approach this problem like a problem of civil society formation in the Azerbaijani Republic”, that the conflict is “an internal affair of Azerbaijan” etc.
Dear initiators of the project, try to understand it at last that the Karabakhi people and especially the Armenians-refugees from Azerbaijan perceive similar appeals with ironical grin! Complain to yourselves that “all the negotiations between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia have not yielded any results” because Nagorno Karabakh does not take part in negotiation in view of the fact that Baku avoids any dialogue with Stepanakert, asserts about “territorial integrity” thus neglecting the principle of people’s right to self-determination moreover, day by day intensifies the propaganda of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict resolution by force. And you, appealing for a dialogue, consciously and more exactly, under compulsion, repeat the propaganda patterns of your authorities! It does not facilitate ensuring security for Nagorno Karabakh population.
It would be better to advise with the non-governmental sector of Nagorno Karabakh and try to elaborate by joint efforts something general, more constructive and acceptable for both parties. The experience shows that ignoring the opinion of the NKR citizens, whose component part are the Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan, will lead to no good”.
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