ARMENIA – CRADLE OF REGION’S NATIVE PEOPLE

After his 5-day visit to Armenia and Artsakh Aliakram Ummatov, President of Talish-Mughan Republic returned home, to the Netherlands. He was here on the invitation of Professor Garnick Asatryan (Iranian Studies Division, YSU) to participate in the presentation of the Division’s Master’s Degree program “Talish Studies”.

REGNUM – In the framework of your visit you were in Armenia and Artsakh. What are your impressions?

A.Ummatov. – I couldn’t even think that I would be received on such a high level. And this prompts me 2 things: first, that till the end of my days I owe my nation, and second, that people of our region, including Talish people, should live in peace and have good relations with their neighbours. Only radio station “Voice of Talishstan” maintains our spirit, teaches our language, helps us not to loose our identity. In this regard let me express my gratitude to Professor G.Asatryan and his “companions”.

Yes, I was born in Azerbaijan. From kindergarten children are taught hatred towards Armenians. Today the atmosphere of intolerance and hatred predominates not only towards Armenians but other nations as well who live in the country.

When in 1993 we declared the creation of Talish-Mughan autonomous region, I thought that this would be an example of the new statehood in Azerbaijan. That time I didn’t know and couldn’t understand what and how Armenians of Karabakh think since there were no relations between us. That time Talish people believed that the right of self-determination of a nation could be defended without violation of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.