Combating hate speech: Armenia’s Path to Peace in South Caucasus

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

 KAREN GRIGORIAN, AMBASSADOR OF ARMENIA TO BAHRAIN

It is with profound regret that I address the deeply troubling article entitled “Victory Day in the Republic of Azerbaijan,” authored by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Shahin Abdullayev, and published in The Daily Tribune News of Bahrain—a platform in a nation renowned for its values of tolerance and coexistence. The publication of such blatant hate speech, infused with baseless and defamatory accusations against Armenia and the Armenian people, starkly contrasts with the principles that Bahrain upholds.

Moreover, the article reveals the Azerbaijani ambassador’s persistent habit of targeting Armenians, as its tone and substance completely diverge from the ongoing spirit of negotiations that have taken place between the leaders of the two countries in recent years. It is also difficult to imagine that such a provocative article was published without explicit approval from Azerbaijan’s leadership, raising questions about the sincerity of its commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation.

For centuries, Armenians have enjoyed mutually respectful relations with their Muslim neighbors, notably the Arab peoples. The Arab world has often served as a sanctuary for Armenians, who have become grateful and loyal citizens and residents in their host countries. Armenians are recognized as faithful and honest entrepreneurs, craftsmen, jewelers, artisans, doctors, and professionals who have contributed significantly to their communities.

We are undergoing a critical period of peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, during which Armenia has demonstrated its readiness to engage constructively in regional development. Initiatives such as the Crossroads of Peace, a transport project proposed by the Prime Minister of Armenia in October 2023 involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Türkiye, aim to open communication channels, foster mutually beneficial cooperation, and restore regional collaboration. This vision for stability and shared prosperity is widely supported by many international partners and organizations, underscoring the importance of constructive dialogue over divisive rhetoric.

Armenia firmly believes that peace is a two-way street, and achieving it requires the honest engagement of both sides to build trust and good faith. Defamatory articles and negative targeting of the other do little to foster ties of reconciliation and understanding. Instead, they widen the divisions between nations and hinder efforts for lasting peace. Azerbaijan’s Ambassador’s unacceptable rhetoric venoms the peace process and undermines all efforts aimed at building dialogue between the sides.

Bahrain’s long-standing reputation as a promoter of harmony positions it uniquely to inspire constructive dialogue in the region. Armenia deeply values Bahrain’s commitment to these principles and hopes for its support in fostering peace and reconciliation. In this spirit, we encourage The Daily Tribune News of Bahrain and other media outlets to exercise caution and uphold journalistic integrity by rejecting divisive narratives that promote hostility.

    (The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Daily Tribune)