IF ANYONE WANTS TO SING, LET THEM SING
Die Welt
March 14 2012
Germany
Interview with Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, by Thorsten Jungholt
[translated from German]
[Thorsten Jungholt] Minister, do you like pop music?
[Elmar Mammadyarov] Yes, I do. That’s why I am very pleased and proud
that Azerbaijan won last year’s Eurovision Song Contest [ESC], and
that Baku will be hosting it in May.
[Jungholt] Given the great international attention it attracts,
what does this ESC mean for your country?
[Mammadyarov] First of all, it’s an honour. It is a unique competition,
that enables every nation of Europe to speak a common language: That of
music. For Azerbaijan, it means the opportunity to inform the people
of Europe and the rest of the world of our rich history, culture,
and of the progress we have made since gaining our independence 20
years ago. We wish to show that we are a part of the European family.
[Jungholt] There are now human rights activists in your country,
complaining of arbitrary expropriations and the construction of the
“Crystal Hall.” What do you say to them?
[Mammadyarov] Azerbaijan is a country that is developing
extraordinarily rapidly. Over the past few years, we have built many
roads, bridges, tunnels, houses -and indeed the “Crystal Hall” too.
This has nothing to do with the ESC. Look, there are in fact many old
and ramshackle buildings in the vicinity of the event site. As recently
as February, the cabinet decided to help out those citizens affected by
the construction measures with their relocation and compensation. Let
me assure you: All property rights are being properly protected.
[Jungholt] Human Rights Watch describes Baku as “a hostile environment”
for journalists and opposition figures. How do you aim to improve
this record?
[Mammadyarov] Democratization, respect for human rights, and the rule
of law have been our policy priorities ever since independence. We
are members of many international organizations, whose requirements
we are meeting: The UN, the Council of Europe, the OSCE [Organization
for Security and Cooperation in Europe]. We have political parties,
including opposition ones. They are able to operate freely, many of
them have their own newspapers and Internet sites, where they are able
to openly set out their positions, and criticize the government too.
No one is above the law: It has to be maintained.
[Jungholt] Are the laws the problem?
[Mammadyarov] We have already passed a whole raft of laws in the
area of human rights. We have carried out judicial reform, we are
combating corruption and money-laundering. Our society is a tolerant
one, different religions and ethnic groups have been co-existing in
peace for centuries now. But obviously we must and will continue with
these reforms. Let me tell you very clearly: Our goal is to attain
the utmost protection of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law,
in line with international standards.
[Jungholt] Some citizens are planning a competition to be called
“Singing For Democracy,” to run alongside the ESC. Is that going to
be allowed?
[Mammadyarov] To be quite honest, I fail to see any value in this
initiative. The ESC is primarily a cultural event, not a political
one. But under the law on freedom of speech, we do also have the right
to freedom of singing. So, if anyone wants to sing, let them sing.
This is the spirit of Eurovision!
[Jungholt] Your neighbour Armenia has cancelled its participation in
the ESC. Do you fear any escalation of the conflict over the enclave
of Mountain Karabach?
[Mammadyarov] The ESC should not be exploited for political purposes,
particularly not over this conflict. The region of Mountain Karabakh
is part of our national territory, and has been occupied by Armenia
for the past 20 years -in the face of every resolution by the United
Nations, calling for the withdrawal of Armenian military forces.
Despite the failure of all the negotiations so far, we remain ready
and willing to engage in talks to resolve the conflict peacefully. The
status quo is unacceptable. I do hope the Armenian leadership will
have the political wisdom to finally agree on a joint solution.
[Jungholt] The German foreign minister is visiting you in Baku. What
will you be discussing with Guido Westerwelle?
[Mammadyarov] A whole range of issues. We are interested in elevating
our partnership to a new level. This applies to political, economic,
and cultural ties. We continue to see great potential in every field.
[Jungholt] Azerbaijan is a member of the UN Security Council. What
is your view of your Iranian neighbour’s nuclear programme?
[Mammadyarov] Every country has the right to peaceful use of nuclear
energy -under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy
Agency. This energy must be used subject to the rules of international
law.
From: Baghdasarian