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| Alirza Ardabili |
In an interview with Voice of America, Tribun website editor Alireza Ardabili discussed whether the democratic and progressive values adopted by the Azerbaijani National Government established in 1945-46 are reflected in the activities of various political movements currently existing in Iranian Azerbaijan.
Ardabili argues that after the fall of the National Government, the Azerbaijani Democratic Party (ADF), which continued to exist in a limited capacity in the Republic of Azerbaijan, along with its affiliated movements, did not remain loyal to the slogans and ideas of the National Government.
"Some groups that accept the National Government do so merely because it was supported by the Soviets, approaching the matter ideologically. However, the movements operating under the name of the National Movement recognize the positive contributions of governments and movements in Azerbaijan that were based on different ideologies," Alireza Ardabili explains regarding different perspectives on the ideas of the National Government.
According to him, "Those who accept the National Government because they see it as a continuation of Joseph Stalin’s views do not accept the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic of 1918-1920. They refer to the Azerbaijani language but refuse to call it the Turkish language."
The National Government of 1945-46 implemented many progressive and democratic reforms and projects, including granting women the right to vote and be elected—a radical step for women's rights at the time. However, many women's rights activists today argue that southern Azerbaijani political organizations do not prioritize these rights.
Alireza Ardabili, on the other hand, claims that statements issued by individuals and groups within the National Movement sufficiently address women's rights and similar issues.
"Executions take place in Iran, and there are pressures against women and individuals with different sexual orientations. The National Movement has declared its opposition to these in its important statements. However, in systems ruled by dictatorships, taking practical action is difficult. The opportunities are very limited... Given these constraints, these issues are still sufficiently addressed," adds a member of the South Azerbaijan National Democratic Unity organization.
Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
Milli hərəkat milli hökümətin ideyalarını qəbul edirmi?