"I saw gravestones shot with bullets in Karabakh" Lithuanian journalist

Interviews 17:10 14.07.2019

The President of the International Eurasia Press Fund, Umud Mirzayev, hosted Lithuanian military journalist and member of the Lithuanian Union of Journalists Richardas Lapaitis in Baku.

Their friendship has begun during the years of the Khojaly tragedy, the occupation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and seven regions by Armenia, which was a hard period for Azerbaijan.

Journalist Lapaitis has witnessed the whole Karabakh war from 1992 to 1994. He has repeatedly been on the front line. Richardas Lapaitis went to the front line near the occupied territories of Azerbaijan many times to help refugees. He was awarded with a diploma for his courage and objectivity in the coverage of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh in 1993. Richardas Lapaitis is the protagonist of the documentary called "Endless Corridor". The screenplay was filmed with the direct participation of Umud Mirzayev, based on his diary and personal memories.

Eurasia Diary interviewed Richardas Lapaitis. To note that Richardas is a representative of IEPF in Lithuania as well.

-You voluntarily came to Karabakh in 1992. You are among a few people witnessed combats of the Commander of Special Forces, Ibad Huseynov, and his team against the invaders. You have seen so many things that you can write a novel about our country. In general, what does Azerbaijan mean to you?

-Azerbaijan has become a native country for me since 1992. I am deeply attached to here. Azerbaijan is lifeblood and spirit for me. This land, people, their thoughts. When I see an Azerbaijani, I look at her eyes. I can understand his feelings when he is happy or sad. When Azerbaijani tells me his homeland lost seven regions, I understand him well. In short, Azerbaijan is not just a feeling for me. This is something more. From the first days here, everything seemed interesting to me. I went to Azerbaijan without an accreditation, without any help. First, I went to Barda by the regular train, and then I arrived at Agdam by hitchhiking at night. I could not find a place in the hotel, injured people installed themselves everywhere. I slept on the floor in the mosque, and there were many people around me who survived the tragedy. It was an awful night, but the next day was even more terrible. I saw the dead bodies of innocent people brought for the first time. Since then I have had Garabagh identity. Look at me. It seems to me that I have become one of you. I am 51 years old. I want to stay here and live here for a few years. This place has a special aura, a special atmosphere. Despite the occupation of some Azerbaijan territories, there are wonderful people who have built up their successful economies.

-Can I ask you a question? You have good relations with Umud Mirzayev. What connects you with the International Eurasia Press Fund?

-There are a lot of interesting things done together with the rising generation. My story about The Fund and Mr. Umud goes back many years. And it covers almost a couple of decades. In 1992, nobody knew us, Lithuanian journalists. We did not know how to shed light on the war. Mr. Umud helped us to choose the right direction. Thus, the roots of our friendship with Mr. Mirzayev and the Fund are deep. The fund turned out to be my second home. An event dedicated to Khojaly has been recently held in the south of Lithuania. I called Mr. Umud about it. I could not imagine he would leave everything and come to Lithuania since I knew that he was very busy. I think that the Fund has become a headquarter for a large number of journalists. This organization vastly differs from others. Probably, because the head of the Fund did not hear from others what was Khojaly, Karabakh. I do not know, whether Mr. Umud wants it or not, but I can say that my friend could be a rich man or a writer, a poet. However, he chose a different path, a hard but noble way. His main goal in life is to liberate his native land Karabakh. Besides, he also never forgets his friends. Whatever happens to me, I know my friend will find a way to help me. When the war knocked on the door of Lithuania, he sent his journalist to collect materials and write the truth. He helps people in Moscow, St. Petersburg. Do not think that only Garabagh unites us. This is something more. I thank Mr. Umud’s parents to bring him up properly. He transmits his worldviews to the young. This is a big step in a difficult period in which young people are out of politics and are in line with their interests.

-It is nice to hear such answers. It feels that they are coming from the heart, not empty words. Nevertheless, I have a question. How do you imagine your cooperation with IEPF? What kind of projects can we implement with Lithuania? For example, to continue the project on Karabakh, Uzbekistan?

-We will make a film called "Bullet-riddled Cemetery". I saw the shot of gravestones in Karabakh. This is a terrible sight. Attackers did not even respect the dead. Then we will present the film in Lithuania. But it needs to work on it. In addition, it is necessary to think about making a film of Azerbaijani and Lithuanian students. What they, young people, think, what they want to achieve. What do words like Garabagh, homeland, Lithuania, and Azerbaijan mean to them? We should look to the future. The world is progressing. It is Armenia live in the Middle Ages. Today it is necessary to reveal tiers of the past like culture, historical heritage and to instill them in young people. After all, they will continue to live after us, and we need to know what kind of directions they choose in life today. I am interested in the wishes of people living in Fuzuli from Gazakh. If I am selected as a member of a peacebuilding group carrying the poster in this area, then I will ask you to send me there. I have done a lot of works there in the 1990s, but there are some things I want to finish off. In Tartar, I saw almost all of the children in the painting class draw a war. Because they did not know about anything else. The tragedy is children are growing faster than usual. They must also see the world from another side.

-Our International Fund sets to organize a competition called “How do the children perceive the future?” This is an interesting project. You spoke about kindness. Try to learn how children view the world today; let's bring their dreams into the open. What would you like to write about this?

-It was an unexpected question. Me, a Lithuanian, is going to be in a difficult situation. It seems to me that I am in the military mood, which I had during the war. Well, guys! History has united us! Even then, in the 1920s, our poet, Mickiewicz, was reading Eastern tales. In the dark days of January, the Lithuanians were still here. And there, in Lithuania, the Azerbaijanis stood at the forefront of freedom fighters. It seems to me that I feel the Azerbaijani spirit. I am a wolf but in a good manner. Today, we gathered to open a communication zone for Azerbaijani and Armenian communities. It is necessary to do a lot for that. Over the years, the OSCE and the OSCE Minsk Group have accomplished nothing. It is necessary to have new projects and new real plans of driving invaders out of the Karabakh conflict zone. And Lithuania will help you with this. You see me on behalf of Lithuania. You asked me what I wanted to write about. I will write a book ... about Karabakh ... And I will start it with this line “I remember the night of 1992 ...”

 
Interviewed by Sohrat Barlas
 
Translated by Islam Mammadov
Azerbaijan Defense Minister informs NATO chief on situation in Azerbaijan-Armenia conditional border -VIDEO

News line

North Korea holds firing drill using super-large multiple rocket launchers
North Korea holds firing drill using super-large multiple rocket launchers
11:55 19.03.2024
Fenerbahçe to discuss withdrawing from 'Super Lig'
11:32 19.03.2024
Azerbaijani police found numerous weapons and ammunition in Khankandi
11:08 19.03.2024
US Maritime Administration issues new advisory amid rising maritime threats in Middle East
10:55 19.03.2024
EU looks forward to cooperation with Azerbaijan for successful COP29
10:38 19.03.2024
EU to impose tariffs on Russian grain
10:11 19.03.2024
Embassy of Azerbaijan in France appeals to Azerbaijanis
10:00 19.03.2024
Azerbaijani oil price exceeds $88
Azerbaijani oil price exceeds $88
09:48 19.03.2024
Mehriban Aliyeva makes post on Last Tuesday before Novruz Holiday
09:35 19.03.2024
Pashinyan: Delimitation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan entered practical stage
09:00 19.03.2024
Pakistan restricts foreign travels of ministers, government officials
Pakistan restricts foreign travels of ministers, government officials
20:39 18.03.2024
EU to boost military support fund for Ukraine by EUR 5 bln — Hungarian foreign minister
20:00 18.03.2024
Industrial zones to be created in Azerbaijan’s Zangilan, Jabrayil, and Gubadli
19:16 18.03.2024
Reuters: Only an oil slump can stop Russia
19:00 18.03.2024
Top Hamas operative killed in hospital raid, IDF says
Top Hamas operative killed in hospital raid, IDF says
18:33 18.03.2024
President Ilham Aliyev congratulates people of Azerbaijan on occasion of Novruz holiday - UPDATED
18:00 18.03.2024
Jens Stoltenberg: We fully support Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity
Jens Stoltenberg: We fully support Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity
17:47 18.03.2024
2 dead, 6 injured in Türkiye factory explosion
2 dead, 6 injured in Türkiye factory explosion
17:28 18.03.2024
Armenia’s anti-Russian policy reaches new level
17:11 18.03.2024
"The Middle Corridor plays a key role for Green Energy" - Expert Ali Pasha
16:45 18.03.2024
Central square of Khankandi named “Victory Square”
16:22 18.03.2024
President: We demonstrated tremendous heroism during the II Karabakh War and the anti-terror operation
16:16 18.03.2024
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus visited IEPF - PHOTOS - VIDEO
16:00 18.03.2024
Historic opportunity emerged to advance the Azerbaijani-Armenian peace agenda - FM Bayramov
15:21 18.03.2024
Bayramov and Stoltenberg discuss normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia
15:03 18.03.2024
Azerbaijan Defense Minister informs NATO chief on situation in Azerbaijan-Armenia conditional border -VIDEO
14:58 18.03.2024
Stoltenberg's visit to the Caucasus: "NATO is in panic" - OPİNİON
14:29 18.03.2024
Hikmat Hajiyev holds discussions for upcoming COP29 with Chinese Vice FM
Hikmat Hajiyev holds discussions for upcoming COP29 with Chinese Vice FM
14:00 18.03.2024
Stoltenberg concludes his official visit to Azerbaijan
13:42 18.03.2024
Geomagnetic storm expected on March 20
13:33 18.03.2024
Mbappe celebrates his 250th goal in PSG
Mbappe celebrates his 250th goal in PSG
13:19 18.03.2024
President Ilham Aliyev makes a phone call to Vladimir Putin
13:00 18.03.2024
President Ilham Aliyev lit Novruz bonfire in Khankandi and congratulated Azerbaijani people
12:34 18.03.2024
Foreign students attacked in India over Ramadan prayers
12:30 18.03.2024
Spring comes to Northern Hemisphere
Spring comes to Northern Hemisphere
12:17 18.03.2024
Why does Azerbaijan matter to the European Union? - OPINION
12:00 18.03.2024
Number of human remains found in mass grave in Khojaly reaches 19
11:45 18.03.2024
Hikmat Hajiyev meets Pakistani envoy to China
Hikmat Hajiyev meets Pakistani envoy to China
11:33 18.03.2024
EU Council to discuss Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization
11:23 18.03.2024
Global Terrorism Index: Azerbaijan among countries with highest anti-terror rating worldwide
10:56 18.03.2024
Hamısı