Experts on the possibility of contacts between the Armenian and Azerbaijani intelligentsia

Baku/15.01.21/Turan: The head of the Society for Humanitarian Research Avaz Hasanov believes that   meetings of the Azerbaijani and Armenian intelligentsia and implement joint humanitarian events is possible.

He recalled the existence of such a practice in past years and the active role of the Russian side, commenting to Turan on the words of the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova about the desirability of meetings between representatives of the intelligentsia of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Several months ago, a round table was held in Moscow with the support of the Public Council of Russia with the participation of activists from Azerbaijan, Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. At a time when the peacekeeping operation is being conducted by Russian forces, Moscow is interested in organizing mutual visits of Armenians and Azerbaijanis.

However, Russian NGOs do not have the experience of the USA or Western countries, nor do they have direct contacts with NGOs in Azerbaijan and Armenia. Therefore, one should hardly expect great efficiency or a stable dialogue, Hasanov said.

Western NGOs select sustainable NGOs on the ground, strengthen them, and then cooperate, Hasanov said. He cited as an example Georgy Vanyan's Tekali process with the participation of NGOs from the three South Caucasus countries, which was supported by Western NGOs.

Hasanov believes  it is  important not only to meet civil society, but to organize joint markets and resource centers. Such contacts are possible in Agdam, Agdere, Shusha, Khankendi, Askeran and other regions. Such contacts will help reduce security risks, the expert said.

In turn, the ex-minister of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan Tofig Zulfugarov believes that the meeting of the intellectuals of the two countries can affect political relations.

“Revanchist calls are heard in Armenia and the political elite is critical. Perhaps, as a result of such meetings, they will reconsider or develop more rational behavior towards neighbors. Therefore, such meetings can be important," Zulfugarov said.-03B06-