Letters | Azerbaijan must prioritise reconciliation in Karabakh region
- Readers discuss Azerbaijan’s actions in an enclave in the Caucasus, and the visit by a delegation of US senators to China
I would urge Azerbaijan to empathise with the concerns and fears of ethnic Armenian residents. Some mistakenly assumed that these residents would welcome Azerbaijani forces as liberators. However, the mass exodus witnessed on the Lachin corridor serves as compelling evidence of their apprehension. Without a genuine understanding of these fears, taking the appropriate actions needed for reconciliation will be challenging.
Second, it is imperative that ethnic Armenian residents are treated with genuine humanity. Addressing immediate humanitarian needs, such as medical care, is of utmost importance to reassure the remaining residents.
In the long term, Baku should work towards fostering a sense of unity among Azerbaijan’s citizens, encouraging them not to perceive their ethnic Armenian compatriots as adversaries. This will help reduce mistrust among the Armenian population in the region.
The administration of Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev, has promised to respect the rights of Armenian residents. I hope Baku will honour these pledges.
Only when the Armenian and Azerbaijani people break free of the cycle of hatred and conflict can we look forward to a bright and prosperous future for the Karabakh region that benefits all its inhabitants.
Henry Wong, Kennedy Town
Beijing shouldn’t welcome American China hawks
Both US senators Chuck Schumer and Mike Crapo are China hawks who supported legislation to contain China. They are also interested in meddling in Hong Kong affairs.
It should not be up to Schumer and Crapo to decide when to go to China to put on a show. China should deny them entry.
Andrew Ko, California