“Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s decision to appoint his wife as Vice-President raised a wave of discussions. Therefore, the provocations at the line of contact were meant to distract public attention from the fact,” says Shahin Mirzoyev, Talyshi activist, journalist at Tolishi Sado newspaper, who has fled Azerbaijan and been provided asylum in Armenia.

Speaking to reporters in Armenia today, Mirzoyev said he feels good in Armenia, but keeps receiving threats from Azerbaijan. MPs even suggest introducing the death penalty and sentence Mirzoyev to death.

“And this is how they are going to solve the Karabakh issue in a ‘peaceful way’,” Shahin Mirzoyev said.

Speaking to Public Radio of Armenia, the Talysh activist said he has relatives in Azerbaijan, who are being insulted, but Mirzoyev is not sure they will also be able to escape to Armenia.

Having had an opportunity to compare the public opinion in Armenia and Azerbaijan, he said “societies in both countries are ready for dialogue on the Karabakh issue.” He added that “dialogue is possible only in case Ilham Aliyev’s regime is ousted,” but added that “Aliyev is doing his best to have the conflict and enmity continue in order to keep power.”