While the street celebrations in Azerbaijan continue, we must also think about how the Azerbaijani government can prevent the repetition of the 90s for its own sake. The wisest thing would be *genuine* efforts of accommodation of the Armenian community in Karabakh. Here's why:
The co-existence initiative achieves several things:
1. Prevention of mass expulsions of Armenians from Karabakh. Similar to the ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijanis, Armenians are fleeing war. We cannot deny Armenians rights to their homes. https://twitter.com/babayevsky/status/1311045845446426624
2. Peacebuilding between Azerbaijanis and Armenians. There are countless stories of friendship & love between our communities before the war and currently abroad. Incompatibility due to ethnicity, religion or the conflict is a nationalistic idea. (Follow @onewmphoto for stories.)
3. "Redemption" of Azerbaijan in the eyes of the international community. It is no secret Azerbaijan was the one who started the large-scale operations. Accepting the Armenians of Karabakh can show that Azerbaijan isn't after revenge, but rather reveal the real aim of the war:
...enabling the return of the Azerbaijani IDPs.
I know all of this is wishful thinking from my side and isn't likely to happen. Armenians fleeing Karabakh won't voluntarily return. But as I said, with *active* efforts from Azerbaijan's side, it might be possible in several years.
You can follow @babayevsky.
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