Armenian expert fascinated by what he saw in Baku

Director of the Armenia-based Analytical Center for Globalization and Regional Cooperation, Stepan Grigoryan is still fascinated by what he saw in Baku during his recent trip to the Azerbaijani capital.
 
From December 1 to 3, Grigoryan participated in a forum on security issues in the South Caucasus and EU-South Caucasus relations.

"Over the past 10 years, this was the first visit by a representative of Armenian civil society to Baku,” he said.
 
Grigoryan considers Armenian church in Baku as a positive message.

"I visited this church. It is in a good condition from outside. As far as I understand, repair work is carried out inside the church, and it is under the protection and control of the Azerbaijani government. I believe that this is a positive message from Azerbaijan," Grigoryan said, adding that the area of the church was completely fenced and guarded.

"The fact that they say it is an Armenian church and they restore is a positive fact. I saw it as positive,” Grigoryan added.
 
Asked for whom Azerbaijan rebuilds this church since no Armenians live in Azerbaijan, a political analyst said: "I think that after the Karabakh conflict is resolved, they will begin to discuss the return of people who fled during these events. I do not rule out that these issues will be addressed. Maybe after some time Armenians will probably return to Baku. But at the moment, it is too early to talk about it."
 
Armenian political expert also noted that he had the impression that Azerbaijani political figures and experts are willing to expand contacts and cooperation with Armenians at the level of civil society. He described the forum’s being organized by German Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan as an important fact.

Political analyst also pointed out, that he had no security relared problems in Baku.

"All participants had equal footing, and the forum was well organized: people talked and acted calmly. However, it is clear that I, being a citizen of Armenia, caused the greatest interest. The hall was full of people when speeches were being made. A big press conference was held later. I did not notice any aggression even in private discussions," he said.


/Armenia Today/