Baku is hosting an international conference entitled 'Azerbaijan’s multiculturalism model: ethno-cultural diversity'. The event is organized by the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons in partnership with Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC), and institutions of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS).
Speaking at the conference, member of the board of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Platform for Peace, historian Artur Agajanov, said that Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan.
He said that language and religion are the factors that that differ the Karabakh Armenians from the Karabakh Azerbaijanis.
According to him, more than 15% of words spoken by the Karabakh Armenians are Azerbaijani and Turkish.
"Our appearance, character, and psychology connect us. There have been numerous marriages among our peoples. Many Armenians from Baku and Karabakh, like me, have good memories of Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani people have always been known for their tolerance and respect for all nations," the Armenian historian noted.
"Karabakh Armenians should return to Azerbaijan's political space. For hundreds of years, Armenians and Azerbaijanis have coexisted together. We have common traditions, historical heritage, a mentality. But why were we deprived of the right to choose? Believe me, many Karabakh Armenians advocated the return of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan," he said.
In addition, Agadzhanov condemned the bellicose policy of the current Armenian government, urging them to abandon military rhetoric. He particularly noted the role of Heydar Aliyev in the localization of the Karabakh conflict. The Armenian public figure called on the Karabakh Armenians "to escape from the influence of the Armenian occupation regime and reintegrate with their historical homeland - Azerbaijan."
“We have always had good-neighborly relations, which are essential for development and peace,” Agajanov said, stressing that this experience can be used to help restore peace and tranquility in Karabakh, which is an integral and unique part of Azerbaijan.
Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Ilyas Umakhanov earlier stressed that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement is beneficial to Russia strategically. "Russia believes in fundamental thesis that there should be friendly, prosperous, developing states that do not carry any potential conflict-forming threat along the perimeter of its borders. In this sense, Russia is one of the most interested sides in finding a peaceful, mutually acceptable solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," he said.
Ilyas Umakhanov added that Moscow is doing everything possible for this. "We do a lot to reach this, including the leadership of our country, our president. We stood and will stand by these positions, including at the parliamentary level," he noted.
