The latest so-called “global media forum” held in occupied Artsakh was organized according to all the rules of Aliyev’s chauvinistic propaganda. The chosen location, the messaging of the participants, and the content of the Azerbaijani president’s speech were all overtly anti-Armenian—once again casting serious doubt on the realism of the Armenian authorities’ so-called “peace strategy.”
There was a curious episode during the event, one that, under normal circumstances, would have drawn special attention in Armenia. The “media forum” managed to “reconcile” seemingly irreconcilable enemies around a common cause: anti-Armenianism. Russian and Ukrainian representatives flattered Ilham Aliyev with a zeal reminiscent of the way his father once flattered Brezhnev during the latter’s visit to Baku.
Russian “political scientist” Sergey Markov, for example, called Aliyev a “brilliant intellectual,” “an experienced world leader,” and “a representative of a victorious country.” Later, attempting to justify his sugary praise, he said he wished his country’s “special military operation” against Ukraine had proceeded the way Aliyev’s “operation” in Karabakh did—“we would win quickly and take it.”
Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon, in turn, appeared no less enchanted by Aliyev’s deeds. His question to the Azerbaijani leader began with a kind of ode: “We in Ukraine were watching with admiration how Azerbaijan, under your leadership, was liberating its land.” Of course, inserting glorification into a question is not the finest journalistic technique. The question itself echoed Markov’s sentiments: “What advice would you give us, as a representative of a victorious country?”
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Striking, isn’t it? Gordon would hardly admire how the Serbs tried to “liberate” Kosovo, and Markov likely had little enthusiasm for Saakashvili’s attempt to “liberate” South Ossetia. But they both eagerly applaud—and even glorify—Aliyev’s ethnic cleansing of Artsakh.
And the conclusion is clear, and for us, bitter: for decades, we have failed to secure genuine allies—on either side—in the pursuit of our national interests. And today, it appears that the Armenian government itself stands aligned with Aliyev, Gordon, and Markov on these very issues.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
