DMITRY GNATYUK, NATIONAL ACTOR OF UKRAINE AND THE USSR, THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL OPERA:
“HEYDAR ALIYEV IS A GREAT PATRIOT, WHO HAS REVIVED THE COUNTRY AFTER HARD BLOW”

My acquaintance to Azerbaijanis was not limited only to singers. From this category, there was also my acquaintance to politician Heydar Aliyevich Aliyev. It has taken place on the big reception in Moscow, which was conducted by Aliyev. The bright speech of this young and beautiful person has made on me unforgettable impression. Closer we have been acquainted in 70s when in Azerbaijan Decade of the Ukrainian Art and the Literature was carried out. At that time, Heydar Aliyevich was the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan and accepted us as the most esteemed visitors.

Though Heydar Aliyev also was the head of the Republic, he has not given us to feel it, showed to us originally friendly relation. That first bright impression, which he has made on me in Moscow, was completely justified. In his behavior, there was nothing artificial, all proceeded in all sincerity. Due to Heydar Aliyev, the atmosphere of Decade was so friendly, kind and pleasant, that we felt ourselves among Azerbaijanis, as among native to us people. Sang, danced, art has made related us. Art pull together us, we understood them, they - us. We were similar against each other, and this ingenious person was symbol of unification of cultures.

Then, being the deputy of a Supreme Soviet of the USSR of three convocations, I frequently met Heydar Aliyev, and I had feeling, as if we are friends. Noticing Heydar Aliyev’s kind attitude to the people of art, my respect for him grew in many fold. I repeatedly heard, he spoke what fine words about Rashid Behbudov, with what father-like care, special heat he concerned to young Muslim Magomayev. For creative persons, it is very important that such people rendered them encouragement.

Now Heydar Aliyevich Aliyev is the President of the sovereign country - Azerbaijan. On this post, his bright and incomparable talent of the head of large scale, the diplomat, and the person feeling huge responsibility for destiny of the country, completely proves.

I was lucky to meet again this fine person, being invited on celebrations on the occasion of a anniversary of Muslim Magomayev.

I was again admired by Mr. Heydar Aliyev’s skill to introduce on this holiday the atmosphere of sincerity and goodwill, express respect for the singer, the person who has brought huge contribution to the culture of people.

From statement on the international scientific - practical conference which have been carried out in Kiev on April 15, 2003, on the occasion of the 80th jubilee of President Heydar Aliyev