Armenians Accepting Azerbaijani Citizenship Will Face Rampant Anti-Armenian Sentiments, Azerbaijani Journalist Criticizes His Own Government

Azerbaijani journalist Bashir Kitachayev has published an extensive article addressing the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin corridor, the humanitarian crisis faced by Artsakh Armenians, anti-Armenian sentiment, and the distortion of Armenian history by Azerbaijan. The article has been published on the independent media platform openDemocracy.

The Azerbaijani journalist notes that Azerbaijanis, who are claimed to be "environmental activists," have been responsible for creating a humanitarian crisis for 120,000 Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh by keeping the Lachin corridor closed for the past two months. The author emphasizes that despite numerous calls for action, the road remains open.

"The interruption of the supply of food and medical necessities to Karabakh has caused a humanitarian crisis. The stocks of fruits and vegetables are diminishing, and reports indicate that the supplies of powdered milk for children have been depleted. The supply of electricity and gas, which passes through Azerbaijani-controlled territory, has also been interrupted," the article states.

The author addresses Aliyev's comments about those who do not wish to become Azerbaijani citizens in Nagorno-Karabakh, stating that the road is open for them to leave. He adds that Aliyev's statement is an admission that the Azerbaijani government is indeed managing the blockade, despite official denials of their involvement in this action.

“Any Armenian in Karabakh who accepts Azerbaijani citizenship will face rampant anti-Armenian sentiments or hatred, which is fueled by the state,” the journalist adds.

The Azerbaijani journalist highlights that in the Azerbaijani media, Armenians are always mentioned negatively and are portrayed as “historical enemies.” He also notes that Azerbaijani authors have sought to justify the use of hate speech against Armenians in their writings.

“Azerbaijan has also tried to rewrite the history of Nagorno-Karabakh by presenting Armenians, who have lived in this region since the 6th century BC, as newcomers. The state claims that Russians resettled Armenians in the Caucasus and Karabakh in the 19th century to fight against Azerbaijanis,” the author writes.

He also refers to the Azerbaijani authorities' decision to glorify Ramil Safarov, who killed an unarmed Armenian soldier while he was sleeping.

“Azerbaijan is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh while it could create conditions for peace between the two countries,” concludes the Azerbaijani journalist.