The head of the German Olympic Committee, German politician Michael Vesper, published an article in Die Zeit devoted to the criticism of Azerbaijan in the human rights context and the calls to boycott the Games. Vestnik Kavkaza brings its complete translation of the article.
"Do you feel remorse?" a sports journalist asked me before the interview devoted to the first European Games in history in Baku. Because Azerbaijan, he said, is a country where people are arrested and prosecuted for political convictions.
To answer this question, we should separate, on the one hand, the political situation and, on the other, the role of our 265 German athletes. They travelled to Baku to demonstrate the highest results at the sports competitions. The European Games, like the Olympics, are an event which should inspire and unite. Can we really expect that our team of athletes will put political topics at the forefront during their stay in Azerbaijan? I do not think so.
Sport does not remain outside political realities, it is not a-political. It motivates people and creates idols, and therefore bears responsibility. The German Olympic Committee, as well as other national and international federations, understands this responsibility. We demand the integration of people with disabilities, fighting racism, supporting sustainable environmental and economic development. The commitment to human rights is a self-evident part of the Olympic Charter.
Despite this, sports events cannot take place only in a Western-style democracy. Sport is a global movement, where every country has the right to vote, as in the UN General Assembly. Including countries whose systems we do not accept. Countries applying for the World Cup or the Olympic Games want to improve their status abroad and in the country. The flip side of the coin in this case is the increased media attention.
Germany maintains and develops relations with Azerbaijan, at the same time remembering about the subject of human rights. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Azerbaijan in October last year, and the Chancellor received the Azerbaijani president in January in Berlin. During a joint press conference she spoke about Azerbaijan as a "partner with growing importance," before she mentioned human rights.
On the eve of the Games I had a number of meetings with representatives of the Azerbaijani government, the Ombudsman and NGOs on this occasion. And in the course of these negotiations we did not hide our criticism. The attitude towards human rights in Azerbaijan, in fact, is a matter of concern.
Azerbaijan is a country situated between two continents. Being squeezed between Russia in the north and Iran in the south, it looks for a way to the West. Since 2001 Azerbaijan has been a member of the Council of Europe, acting for the observance of human rights standards and democratic principles, supporting their development in the transition countries. Last year Azerbaijan even chaired the organization.
Shortly before the Games I attended public hearings in the European Parliament devoted to major sports events and human rights. Some MPs demanded that our athletes will perform in Baku only after the people arrested for political reasons are released. It's hypocritical claim. After all, the European Commission is negotiating with "strategic partner" Azerbaijan over the implementation of the energy agreement. I didn't receive any answer to my question as to why the release of political prisoners is not linked to energy. Because the policy operates differently. Those who wish to improve the human rights situation in Azerbaijan do not have to burn any bridges, but gently and patiently encourage the path of reforms.
Due to the European Games, Azerbaijan has been drawn to the attention of the public. Just as journalists and politicians discussed the host country with unprecedented intensity during the Olympic Games in Beijing (2008) and Sochi (2014). Thus, the German Bundestag adopted a resolution on "Respect for human rights in Azerbaijan" on the opening day of the European Games in Baku. Why is it Azerbaijan exactly, is the situation better in other countries of the region? I've been a politician long enough not to be able to miss the symbolism of such actions.
Sport is not able to change political systems. And it is also impossible to release political prisoners using it. But it has the power to "inspire and unite people," as Nelson Mandela said. This function is performed by sport in Baku. Now Russian and Ukrainians, Azerbaijanis and Armenians, Serbs and Kosovars train and have lunch together in the athletes' village, and after that they will take part in competitions where the rules are the same for everyone. This is a great blessing in a world torn by conflicts.
Therefore, it was the right decision to take part in these Games, while expressing criticism. But we have deliberately refused from show events, taking into account the advice of victims. Not every public action helps those who need this assistance.
Our athletes in Baku are ambassadors of our country's culture and democratic system. They stand up for tolerance and freedom, justice and peaceful coexistence. Therefore they shouldn't feel remorse for their performances at the First European Games. I also do not feel any.
