Azeris still uncertain as to what culture they belong to

PanARMENIAN.Net - "Our problem is that we perfectly see what Azerbaijan is doing, but keep our mouths shut, and close our eyes to everything," Armenianhouse.org electronic library's director Karen Vrtanesyan told today a press conference, commenting upon Azeri media reports. While Armenian side views it as a noble gesture, Azerbaijan considers it as a sign of weakness.



"Any other country would have filed complaint against Azerbaijan. But what are we doing? We are just laughing, avoiding to see the reality," Mr. Vrtanesyan said. Azerbaijani society uses hatred for Armenians as a tool in the process of its formation, Vrtanesyan said, adding that Azeris themselves are still uncertain as to what culture they belong to. "Over the past 100 years, they were unable to decide who they were. First they called themselves Caucasian Tatars, then Turks, and later - Azerbaijanis. Now they are called Azeris."



In his turn, Military psychologist David Djamalyan added the following, "In 2005, Region journal conducted survey to find out whether Azeris hated Armenians more or vice versa. The results were quite predictable. If we believe that Turks or Azeris will ever change while we will not, then we engage ourselves in self-deception."



"Azeris' style and attitude to Armenians reminds me of Nazi Germany. Likewise Germans who accused Jews of everything, Azeris accuse us Armenians in order to justify themselves. How can we live with a neighbor who builds his state based on hatred for us," Vrtanesyan said.



"We are not against free countries, and are not against their being our neighbors. Let them build their state, but not at our expense," Djamalyan stated.