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Azerbaijan's MP "It was practically impossible for the protesters to approach us in Yerevan" - INTERVIEW

24 February 2022 17:14 (UTC +04:00)

Member of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis (Parliament) Soltan Mammadov was interviewed by APA News Agency

– Recently, you attended the committee meetings of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly in Yerevan, Armenia. What is your impression of the trip?

– I think that our visit to Armenia was successful. We had the opportunity to convey Azerbaijan's position on all issues on the agenda and documents discussed at the committee meetings of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly. At the same time, of course, we responded to the baseless accusations of the Armenian representatives. Our main goal was to declare Azerbaijan's readiness as a representative of the victorious country to fulfill its mission for peace and prosperity in the region and to bring it to the attention of both Armenia and all other countries represented in the Euronest PA. At the same time, there were messages addressed to the Armenian public. We tried to convey to ordinary citizens of Armenia that Azerbaijan is ready for peace and a new era has begun in the South Caucasus. Based on certain reactions, discussions in the media, and on social networks, I can say that we have achieved our goal.

– What changes are felt in the Armenian society after the war?

– The heavy psychological blow of the war is felt at every step. Ordinary citizens living in Armenia, the whole Armenian people have been hostages of an aggressive policy for almost 30 years. They were a victim of false propaganda. They tried to convince them that the Armenian army was invincible, strong, and so on. The 44-day war thwarted this propaganda. It showed what the real reality is. This, of course, has led to long-term psychological tension in society. Two poles have been formed in Armenia, those who believe that peace and cooperation are the only way out of the current situation, and those who support revanchism. There are disputes and discussions between them. I think there are more supporters of peace, but revanchists still have the opportunity to influence public opinion. That is the reality.

– Is peace on the agenda? Can these visits become sustainable? When can the establishment of the Azerbaijan-Armenia interparliamentary friendship group take place?

– Peace is on the agenda anyway. As I just mentioned, ordinary Armenian citizens do not have a clear idea of the prospects for peace. I think that the constant propaganda of revanchist forces, as well as the passive activity of peace activists, play a role here. However, first of all, post-war syndromes have a more serious impact. As for the sustainability of the visits and the normalization of relations, now it depends more on Armenia. Azerbaijan has openly stated its position at every opportunity, on all platforms. As Mr. President stressed, we unequivocally support the establishment of normal relations between all the peoples of the South Caucasus. Such an opportunity has arisen today, but no one can guarantee that the agenda will not change tomorrow. Armenia must seize this opportunity.

– Have you observed aggression in Armenian society?

– Yes. This was not unexpected for us. As you know, there have been several protests. We also observed this aggression in the speeches of some Armenian representatives at the committee meetings of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly. At the same time, we saw those who behaved differently and showed a more tolerant attitude. In general, we welcomed all this as normal and, as I said, accepted it as a syndrome of the postwar period.

– How was your security ensured?

– Honestly say, we had no worries about this issue. Prior to the visit, the relevant government agencies of Azerbaijan received security guarantees from Armenia. Necessary steps were taken. We were provided with a very high level of protection in Armenia. Security measures were taken both at the hotel where we stayed and when we left the hotel. From that point of view, there was no problem. We were also psychologically comfortable because we have full confidence in our state. I can only say that the pleasure and feelings of participating in this trip as a citizen of a strong state are inexplicable.

–There were rallies in front of the hotel where you stayed. What steps did those responsible for your safety take at that time?

– As far as I could see, these actions were under police control. It was practically impossible for the protesters to enter the hotel or approach us.

– There is information that Armenians did not want to serve you in the hotel and restaurant. How did you react to this?

– We learned about this later. There was no special reaction. It just makes me smile bitterly. Azerbaijan is not the cause of all that happened, the war, the 30-year occupation. Unfortunately, the people of Armenia have been persuaded of a lie that has no historical or legal basis - the dream of a "Greater Armenia". Several generations have been formed under the influence of these adventurous ideas. The war woke many of them, but there are those who have not yet woken up. This is unfortunate. For 30 years, both the Armenian government and the entire Armenian people have lost their sense of reality and lived in another world they fabricated. Now is the time to return to this world. It is only necessary to understand this, to draw conclusions from the events that have taken place and are taking place in the world and in the region.