Tatul Akopian's Garatagh Diary; From the book Green and Black or Neither War nor Peace
Georgi Shahnazarov, Gorbachev's aide, wrote that the meeting was difficult, but despite the openness of the conversation, he had occasionally had a tough but relaxed atmosphere. Shahnazarov remembers Gorbachev's words: “What is happening around Garabagh is a back shot. Keeping Azerbaijanis is not easy. There are dozens of potential sources of ethnic conflict in the country. Garabagh precedent can lead to impulsive behaviour of those who have not previously committed violence ”.
Gorbachev himself remembers: “I said that we know the history of the problem and we know it is a very difficult history. The day before the meeting, I instructed Alexander Nikolayevich (Yakovlev) to speak with Kaputikyan on my behalf and show them restraint, to say their own words and to stop the undesirable developments in the events. He spoke to her. The conversation took a long time, I was crying on the phone, shedding tears. However, he (Kaputikyan) promised that he would stop the unpleasant process and then set things straight. At the same time, he blamed us for taking the side of Azerbaijanis and said that they were neither extremists nor provocations. "
Kaputikyan writes that the conversation, which lasted more than an hour, "took place in an informal way, even almost comfortable atmosphere. We usually sat at a long table in the offices. Only this table was more simple and narrow. On one side of the table, Zori, Yakovlev and I, Shahnazarov were sitting in front of us. Mikhail Sergeyevich was at the table. The table was so narrow we could almost sit face to face. And that made our conversation more informal. ”
He then wrote more about that February meeting in the poetry book:
"For us, the residents of Armenia," I continued," traveling abroad is easier than going to Garabagh. I was there only once - in '59. Then I learned that the people I met were subjected to pressure. We cannot go there because the Azerbaijani authorities think that the Armenian intellectuals have stirred up separatist atmosphere in Garabagh.
"Demirchyan has never been in Garabagh, even during his 15-year rule," Gorbachev said.
- Not really, and not just Demirchyan. All our leaders have shown an unacceptable indifference to the NSC. We were afraid of getting involved in the affairs of the neighbouring republic. On the other hand, they are not guilty. This is the situation in Garabagh - all those who come from Armenia are persecuted and it is simply impossible to go there.
"Prohibitions that hinder relations between Armenia and Garabagh are shameful," Gorbachev said.
- It will be almost impossible until the province is reunited. Azerbaijan will not allow this.
- Azerbaijan must understand it. As for joining the region to Armenia, it is very difficult now. There are about 19 similar issues, and all of them need to be addressed.
- At least include it in the Russian Federation.
Gorbachev smiled:
- All such autonomies want to be part of Russia. But this is not possible.
- Our situation is a bit different. It is necessary to take urgent measures. As a result, it is a matter of religious diversity - Zori Balayan again tried to clarify the nature of the problem.
- Everybody considers their problem as topical and important. Apparently, there should be a holistic approach to solving problems - a plenary session on national issues should be convened and discussed. Now it is necessary to calm people in Garabagh and in Yerevan.
"Well, at least create a commission," we insisted.
- All Political Bureau deals with Garabagh, Gorbachev smiles. - Is this a small thing?
- The Political Bureau has countless concerns. He will deal with us today, he will forget tomorrow. If Garabagh does not join Armenia, the situation will get worse - Azerbaijan will not forgive Garabagh Armenians.
- I promise you that I will personally deal with Garabagh. We will carry out large-scale social and cultural reforms. It will be a real renaissance. I will take this matter under my personal control.
- Can we bring it to our people? - I asked.
- Yes, you can.
"They called you from Yerevan that night," I continued, "and they think that you cannot imagine what is happening in Yerevan. All Armenia is in the capital now. Everyone is excited and waiting for something. The caller was very nervous: "Come to Mikhail Sergeyevich and see everything with his own eyes. If he can't come, let his wife and son come."
Gorbachev rejoiced.
"Really, maybe you can come," I suggested.
"I can't come now, but I'll come later."
- When?
- In the second half of the year.
- Can this be announced to the public?
- Yes.
Zori said.
- It would be nice if there were no borders in the world and people would live as they wished.
"No," I interrupted, "I don't agree with that at all."
Apparently, I said it in a very harsh and emotional way. Gorbachev and Yakovlev looked at each other. Gorbachev said:
"I also disagree." Each nation should have its own country, culture and language ...
- Again, maybe a commission should be established on the Garabagh issue? - Zori asked again.
- We have 19 similar problems and should create a commission for each?
"And what did you do for Tatar people?"
- How can we calm people down, as you say, with what to put out the fire? - we asked.
During all this time, Shahnazarov said:
- You can easily say that Mikhail Sergeyevich promised to consider the Garabagh issue at the plenary session on national issues.
To be continued…
