On February 25-26 ICCN hosted Armenian- Azerbaijan meeting of young political leaders. The meeting was organized within GPPAC process and aimed at exchange of views and positions between new generation of Armenians and Azerbaijans.
Almost two decades have passed since the outbreak of Armenian –Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno Karabakh, however, the conflict is still open and it seems no solution is envisaged in the nearest future. Package/ step- by- step versions of conflict resolution compete with each other during negotiations and the sides could not come to an accepted solution.
As the participants of the meeting mentioned, a dialogue on regular basis between different segments of conflicting societies is indispensable, in particular a special attention should be given to young people in this process. Young political leaders have a potential to introduce a new format of conflict settlement that may bring some breakthrough in this "frozen" conflict.
Wide spectrum of issues were discussed, among them political and economic situation in countries, security problematic, Armenian-Turkish relations, Iran’s role, cooperation within South Caucasus regional context and the involvement of international community in conflict resolution process. The participants talked on the promotion of cultural relations between the sides. Interaction in non-political spheres may positively contribute to the normalization of relations between the sides.
There were debates on the historical heritage of both sides; however, as some participants underlined, consideration of the problems with historical point of view cannot bring positive results. The urgent issue is that the representatives from both sides should return to their homes and peacefully live together.
The participants expressed an interest to continue this dialogue and involve more young politically active people in it. Representatives from both sides mentioned that they preferred to meet rather on Armenian or Azerbaijan territory than in neutral place. And for this much effort needs to be undertaken.
