Interview of Day.az with resident-coordinator of UNO in Azerbaijan Bruno Pueza.
– Mr. Pueza, June 20 has been declared as World Refugee Day by UNO. What does this day mean for a large number of refugees in the world as well as refugees and internally departed people in Azerbaijan?
– In general, this day is declared to make international community remember about people who became internally departed as a result of conflicts. Some of these people have lived in very bad conditions for many years, as we see it in Azerbaijan case. Most of the countries as well as Azerbaijan have been forgotten in some way. That is why it is very important to remind the entire world about the problems of citizens who had to leave their own houses. This day is kind of a reminder about the problems of these people which have to be solved. It also reminds everyone their duty to cooperate to get these people back to their own lands.
– Speaking about Azeri refugees which changes of their situation have you observed from the beginning of this problem since Azerbaijan became a leader in economic development?
– I should note that the living conditions of these people have been incredibly improved. I mean that Azeri government invested a large amount of money for establishment new settlements, improvement education, and employment of family members of internally departed people as well as refugees. International community played a certain role in the beginning of this process but recent years these propitious achievements are exclusive services of Azerbaijan.
– Does Azeri government have any dissatisfaction as UNO reduced its assistance?
– Of course not. As I mentioned before all the needs of the citizens from this category are being covered by the government. However, in case of solution of Nagorno-Karabakh problem these people will be able to go back to their own lands where they were born. At that time UNO certainly will assist Azerbaijan to cooperate for the development of this process.
– Does UNO obtain an elaborated assistance plan?
– No, we will support the plan of the Azeri government and we are ready to participate in working out of this plan.
– A conference of Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh was conducted recently. How much productive the participation of the community in the negotiation process on conflict regulation can be? Or do you think that this is the business of Baku and Yerevan?
– As I know, the regulation of the conflict was between the Azeri and Armenian governments. However, as the homecoming of the population on the plan both communities will have to cooperate with each other. The realization of this depends on negotiation process and the governments of both countries.
Day.az
