MEETING WITH HEAD OF THE CAUCASUS CLERICAL OFFICE
Welcoming the visitors, the head of religious department of Azerbaijan has presented heads of religious communities of the basic faiths of republic - Christian, Judaic, and also apostolic nuncio of the State of Vatican K. Gujarotti, members of scientific - religious council, has shortly informed on condition of religion in Azerbaijan. He has emphasized, that due to policy pursued by the national leader of Azerbaijan people Heydar Aliyev and his worthy successor President Ilham Aliyev nowadays, in our country, rights and freedom of the person are provided. When in Beslan, monstrous act of terrorism has been accomplished, and the Moslems, Christians and Jews have together made resolute protest, expressed indignation to address of those who try to use religion in political ends.
Then, Sheikh-Ul-Islam has reminded that Armenia, too, gave religious color to the Karabakh war, vandalism of the separatists who were pulling down mosques, Muslim cemeteries. “Together with heads of religious communities of Azerbaijan we have carried out large work on explanation to world community, that it is not religious war, but claims on another's territory, A. Pashazadeh noted.
The Sheikh-Ul-Islam has expressed confidence that this meeting would serve strengthening of relations of Azerbaijan with the countries of the European Union, its integration into Europe, has expressed gratitude for moral and material aid which renders the European Union to the refugees.
Bishop of Baku and Caspian Father Alexander, the head of community of Highland Jews of Azerbaijan of S. Ikhiilov in their remarks said that faiths headed by them exist in territory of the Republic some centuries and always were together, never here was observed collisions on religious ground. Now Azerbaijan is the most tolerant country of region. According to the Constitution of Republic, all religions have equal rights. All this is the result of not only the policy pursued in the country, support and understanding on the part of its management, but also mentality of Azerbaijan people - benevolent, tolerant, hospitable, the Bishop Baku and Caspian Father Alexander emphasized.
Apostolic nuncio of the State of Vatican has expressed gratitude for the fine organization of meeting here of the Pope of Rome, John Pawl П, having noted there is a great role of Sheikh-Ul-Islam and his colleagues - heads of Christian and Judaic religions.
President of the European Commission Romano Prodi in his statement has noted, that the representative of the European Union has arrived here to start a new stage of process of integration of Azerbaijan in the European structures, that this offer to new cooperation is not only economic, but also political filed, and it testifies to openness of the European society. Just for this reason, it is very important, that also the religion participated in dialogue. We know, that in region, there are conflicts, Mr. Romano Prodi said. We can help you with their solution. In fact, entering the Council of Europe, both Azerbaijan and Armenia, have undertaken the certain obligations. In Europe, the conflicts was not less, but we could prove that they can be overcome peacefully. In conclusion, Mr. Prodi has expressed gratitude for tolerance in Azerbaijan, and also confidence that this unity would continue.
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