Interview with Mike Hancock, member of the British Parliament, a member of the Monitoring Committee and Committee on Political Affairs of PACE.
Recently, a group of British parliamentarians, led by yourself, appealed to the parliament to recognize the Khojaly genocide. What are the chances of a positive solution to this issue by the British Parliament?
I do not know whether the parliament will recognizes it or not, but what we want is to be sure that none of the British parliamentarians to be indifferent to these events. We keep this issue on the agenda so that more MPs were aware of the tragedy.
The Armenian diaspora is very good at presenting one side of the world history. We want to make a picture more objective by presenting the view of the Azerbaijani side. I will continue to do so in order to produce an increasing interest in the British parliament and government to help find a solution to this problem through the European Union or through their influence on the Minsk Group, or through the participation of deputies of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.
I recently had a very interesting meeting in Moscow with the Russian co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group. I have met him several times before, but this time I felt that he was much more optimistic about progress in the Karabakh process. And I think that events such as genocide give people a real opportunity to realize that this is not about some abstract concepts, but facts rather painful for many people.
Azerbaijan is unhappy that the countries co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group are trying to alleviate the socio-economic situation in Armenia, instead of addressing root causes, that is, ending occupation of Azerbaijani lands…
I think its a very big mistake by these countries. What we need to do is make Armenia’s position more sensible. Despite worsening economic situation, Armenia persistently continues the occupation of 20% of another country’s territory. I think that the West, Russia, all have to say to Yerevan: “We will not help you as long as you hold what doesnt belong to you.” And it seems ridiculous that these countries help Armenia, instead of putting pressure on it. In my opinion, they need to change this approach.
What your comments on Azerbaijan’s statement that some countries should not impose on Turkey a peace with Armenia, but normalize relations between the two countries through settlement of the Karabakh problem. In your opinion, will Baku be able to persuade what is that it is effect, but not cause?
Besides Azerbaijan, Turkey is also interested in standing together in addressing common challenges. One should not yield to Armenia. In my view, it would be a tragic mistake, a betrayal of all that has been defended in the past 20 years. I think it is important that Turkey remains committed to Azerbaijan.
The biggest challenge that you face is the continuing threat posed by the extremely influential Armenian diaspora. So, you need to strengthen your diaspora. You have a great president and a very educated, literate population. You need to extend your activities across the world and to set them against what Armenians say.
Anyone who leaves Azerbaijan, not matter whether for work, vacation or training, should become an envoy of the republic. And each of them must be prepared to stand up and declare what it means to grow up in the country, 20% of which is held under occupation. For the younger generation it is their whole life, and this is something that many people in the West can understand. Young people must themselves tell this story.
/Today.Az/
