“Transcript” of Sargsyan-Aliyev meeting

Today I present to you the “transcript” of another “meeting” of Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents.

Serzh Sargsyan –When we met in Kazan last time the format was rather unusual: our ministers and aides took part in the meeting.

Ilham Aliyev – Yes, I remember. The table was not big enough to properly accommodate nine people.

Serzh Sargsyan – Well, now when there are no cameras we can speak easily. I want us to clarify some things today.

Ilham Aliyev – What do you mean?

Serzh Sargsyan – I think you know what I want to say. I will speak openly: you have crossed “the red line” during your joint briefing with the Turkish Prime Minister.

Ilham Aliyev – If you feel insulted…

Serzh Sargsyan – I do not mean myself. I want to say that when you insult my people you should clearly understand that afterwards people demands from me not to make any concessions and to speak to you in your language.

Ilham Aliyev – You also say tough things about us sometimes.

Serzh Sargsyan – I think you understand the difference between toughness and insult. However, if you have decided to go that way we will reach nowhere. And if you have really made such a decision, let’s tell the world about it and state that Azerbaijan does not actually want to negotiate.

Ilham Aliyev – It’s not true. You are now blaming me for toughening the position but I can tell you the same. You do not take up any steps so as I could persuade our people that the peace is beneficial for us.

Serzh Sargsyan – What are you driving at?

Ilham Aliyev – I mean that I will not take any steps until our lands are returned.

Serzh Sargsyan – We have spoken about it many times and you know my position.

Ilham Aliyev – I know but you should understand me.

Serzh Sargsyan- I understand you very well. I have said still two years ago that the two presidents try to look at the conflict through each other’s eyes. Anyway, I have tried.

Ilham Aliyev – I don’t remember you said such a thing.

Serzh Sargsyan – Tell your assistants to explore in the archives. By the way, I have said one more thing which I doubt now.

Ilham Aliyev – What?

Serzh Sargsyan – I said that being a normal person you don’t want a war. But now I doubt. To be more precise, I still think that you don’t want a war however, all your latest steps lead to a war.

Ilham Aliyev – That’s not true. I want us to conclude dignified peace.

Serzh Sargsyan – Do you think you can conclude dignified peace with a nation whose dignity you humiliate in public?

Ilham Aliyev – You cling to that one episode.

Serzh Sargsyan – And what about the latest fairy tale of your propaganda that we placed an explosive into a toy to kill your children?

Ilham Aliyev- I have been reported that there was such an incident, and the same thing happened a few years ago.

Serzh Sargsyan – That's not true. Well, it seems we are getting off the topic. What do you think about Medvedev’s latest letter?

Ilham Aliyev – I think we can work on it. Though, maybe we should wait.

Serzh Sargsyan – Wait for what?

Ilham Aliyev – Well, we will know soon which of them will be nominated.

Serzh Sargsyan – What does it have to do with all this?

Ilham Aliyev - You sound as though you don’t know the difference.

Serzh Sargsyan – Are you going to be nominated next time?

Ilham Aliyev – Of course.

Serzh Sargsyan – Me too. And it means that we are going to handle the issue irrespective of all external changes.

Ilham Aliyev – Yes, that’s true.

Serzh Sargsyan – So why wait? We are wasting time.

Ilham Aliyev – You are hurrying. I have nothing to hurry for.

Serzh Sargsyan – In fact, you confirm what I have said.

Ilham Aliyev – No, I don’t. I don’t want a war. At the same time, I have no reason to hurry.

Serzh Sargsyan – Say it in public. Every day you say your lands should be immediately given back but on the other hand you say you are not hurrying.

Ilham Aliyev – Those are our internal matters.

Serzh Sargsyan – Perhaps, proclaiming Ramil Safarov a national hero is your internal matter as well.

Ilham Aliyev – Anyway, I feel you have a grudge against me today.

Serzh Sargsyan – I have nothing to be offended. Thank God, I have never had illusions. I just feel that after each meeting we are distancing ourselves more and more and that is not a good sign.

Ilham Aliyev – You know I think emotions are not useful in our business.

Serzh Sargsyan – It is not emotions. I simply understand that you don’t want to settle the issue. Yes, you do not actually want a war. You are just playing for time.

Ilham Aliyev – It is politics, what do you want?

Serzh Sargsyan – I want you to be honest. Not to me. Be honest to yourself.

Ilham Aliyev – You seem to be giving a talking-to.

Serzh Sargsyan – Not at all. And you know deep in your soul that I am right.

Here the “transcript” interrupts. How did I get it? After long years of watching the negotiation process I tried to predict how the two leaders would communicate after the recent events.

Ara Tadevosyan is the Director of Mediamax.