Immediately after the end of the Cold War, the opposition of communism and liberal democracy gave way to the awakening of nations. The ideological approach that dominated international relations was left in the darkness of history and nations rightfully began to understand their identity and culture. In fact, the dialectical spirit that dominated this type of evolutionary direction existed earlier. That is, after the Great French Revolution of 1789, as soon as the secular mentality emerged, the desire to become a national state quickly entered the agenda of the peoples of the world and many national states were established until the beginning of the 20th century. However, after the socialist revolution in Russia in 1917, the pace of the nationalization movement decreased and ideological confrontations emerged. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, waves of nationalization and national statehood began to rise again. The number of member states of the United Nations has increased again. Meanwhile, it is useful to say that even in the period of such ideological approach to history and events, Azerbaijani national politicians managed to keep the concept of national rights alive in South Azerbaijan. The incident that took place under the leadership of 21 Azer and Pishevari is a suitable example for diagnosing what we have said.
Today, the nature of the relations that dominate both the world, the Middle East and Iran is in a different state. The European Union states continue their insistence on being decent states. In 2004, an agreement was signed in Rome that influenced the long-term future of Europe. In this agreement ceremony, which was attended and signed by only Turkey from Muslim countries, the long-term political governance of these countries was determined. These countries agreed to keep religion separate from politics.
The waves of modernism have affected Islamic countries, perhaps a little late, but in any case. For this reason, as in the case of Indonesia, nations whose most natural national rights are denied in many countries have entered a stage of awakening.
One of the indispensable principles of human rights and democracy is national rights. We are witnessing that the nations living in Iran have entered a new historical stage for the sake of national rights. The various organizations established at home and abroad to defend the rights of these nations are the visible and external side of the national awakening movement. It is a reality that there is a great awakening in the national behaviors, ways of approaching events, and national spirits of nations. Perhaps we will be able to witness the historical events that this awakening will create in the future.
We, as the Azerbaijan National Front, are trying to defend our national rights in South Azerbaijan in a modern, civilized, human rights-compliant and democratic way. For this reason, we would like to make some considerations regarding our own national rights.
Everyone knows that the Pahlavi regime was an inhuman regime based on Persian racism and did not respect human rights and the rights of nations. During the Pahlavi era, such blows were inflicted on the souls of nations that it still takes time to eliminate this destruction. There was a revolution in Iran, the regime changed, but the behavior of brutally disrespecting the rights of other nations, which was the legacy of the Pahlavis, did not change. The programs of Persian chauvinism this time also took a beating in the name of Ummatism. Although the sense of respect for the rights of nations was insistently emphasized in the essence and nature of Islam, religious sanctity, which became a toy in the hands of Persian chauvinism, also became a means for the assimilation of nations.
The Azerbaijan National Front does not believe in a forced union with Iran regarding South Azerbaijan, perhaps it believes in achieving its own destiny through free elections in the historical lands of the Azerbaijani nation and has guided itself by three main principles:
1. Parliament
2. Executive power
3. The establishment of courts according to the modern legal system.
Based on the logic of these three principles, the Azerbaijan National Front, which has determined its own strategy and tactics of struggle, is a supporter of secular thought. While respecting and treating the religious needs of our nation with respect, we strongly oppose the use of religious beliefs as a tool of assimilation by Persian chauvinism with bad intentions.
The Azerbaijan National Front believes that in order to prevent the provocation of Persian chauvinism, all nations living under national oppression should fight together against unmodern and inhumane policies. Since we are subjected to common oppression, we can understand each other more easily. Today, the first and true allies of the nations that are losing all their national values under national oppression in Iran are themselves. That is, a united front should be organized against Persian chauvinism as Turks, Turkmens, Arabs, Baluchis and Kurds. The foundation of victory is the manifestation of this thought and feeling of unity. This unity is needed to restore a livable and humane world.
Best wishes
Azerbaijan National Front
Malmö-Sweden, February 19, 2005
