Armenia and Azerbaijan: dialogue between Diasporas

By Vestnik Kavkaza

In the context of politicians’ and experts’ warning about threats to inter-ethnic peace in Russia, the round table “Azerbaijani and Armenian Diasporas of Russia: inter-ethnic dialogue” was held in Moscow. The initiators – the Federal National and Cultural Autonomy of Azerbaijanis and the Armenian Union of Russia – wanted to emphasize a special role of national-cultural entities in establishing of inter-ethnic peace in Russia.

Armen Dzhigarkhanyan, Peoples’ Artist of the USSR

There are some forces which can turn over people and establish hatred. It is possible in any situation and story. But we are neighbors. Previously the biggest conflict was a football match between Ararat and Neftchi. When Armenian theaters came to Baku with guest tours, it was a real festival. People cried, laughed together. When Zeinab Khanlarova came to Yerevan with concerts, it was a festival too. But there are people who try to set us against each other.

I think religious activists and people of art should play a big role in normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. Many years ago when I was young and handsome, I took part in the film “What the River Roars About” about frontier guards. The biggest conflict was when a cow crossed the border “illegally”. People began to discuss how to return the cow. It is a Biblical story. The more friends we have, the great love we feel to each other, the sooner the conflict will be settled. I am a realist and understand that conflicts between states and nations are possible. But I ask God and Allah for our biggest conflict would be about football. Otherwise, we will be split. Some “good” people would be there, and suddenly we would realize that we hold a gun in our pockets. It should be prevented. I think we are two good nations – Azerbaijani and Armenian. Each of us should listen to his heart and conscience. If we have disputes, let’s settle them, set questions to each other. People should agree. We have no other variant. We cannot say: “No, he should be first!” Television ruins the whole issue. We are imposed on the idea that there are some awful things, hatred. When I watch Russian television, I don’t want to live anymore: somewhere explosion took place, somebody was killed, somebody was chocked. We won’t survive in this situation. Art does too little in this sphere. I have noticed a surprising thing: people don’t go to theatre. At the moment the Kremlin Tennis Cup is taking place, but nobody goes there to watch. Halls are empty. It is a serious accusation to our society. We are not curious. Theaters even have bureaus for organization of audience. Soon we will give birth to babies in the following way: gather people and give birth to babies.

Tamara Pukhova, the chairwoman of the Woman Council of AzerRos

When the Soviet Union collapsed and the civil war began, we, common people, people of culture, scientists, appeared to be victims of the politics. Those who were raised in the USSR are proud of having such a splendid person and actor, our teacher. There are many people who bring their national identity, peculiarity. But why did we let them destroy this identity? Today it is very sad to hear how politicians impose false ideas about Nagorno-Karabakh on young people. As a hostess I would like to say: every cooker cooks dolma in her own way. She puts her heart and love into it – not only meat, green, rice. If there is no love, no respect to those whom you want to give a treat, life is senseless.

Soun Sadykov, the head of AzerRos

Many Armenians and Azerbaijani live together, work together, conduct business, there are even mixed marriages between young people in Russia. If we look at the history of Armenian and Azerbaijani people, we see that they lived together for centuries and they will live together forever. Mixed marriages were widely spread between them. We have to do our best for young people not to trust provocations of radicals who exist among Armenians and Azerbaijanis, as well as among other ethnic-groups living in Russia.

Armen Smbatyan, the ambassador of Armenia in Russia

The wound is fresh, but in 1946 nobody could imagine that several decades later Russians and Germans would be good friends. I notice striving toward each other, but fear is still present. What would they say? Wouldn’t it be treated in a wrong way? You should not be afraid of it! We should communicate. Even if we don’t love each other, we have to communicate as civilized people. Today we kill each other like animals. Russia and Japan has a great problem – the Kuril Islands. However, nobody kills anyone. They are communicating, providing diplomatic and trade relations. Why do we cross the line? I think we have to realize it, help and give a piece of advice to each other. Russia is our friend. Russia really wants and does its best for making us agree and settle our problems. Let other Diasporas in other countries see it and make them do the same, and I am sure it will influence our countries – Armenia and Azerbaijan. We are doomed for peace. We are doomed for living in agreement. We are neighbors. We cannot move to space – either Armenians or Azerbaijanis. Where will we go? What will be next? We have to agree. If we could influence major Armenian and Azerbaijani media, it will be a big achievement. If we continue our peacemaking activity with Polad Byul-Byul Ogly, my friend, I think we will do everything together.