Russian religious leader calls for peaceful resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
By Sara Rajabova
The Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was one of the main issues of discussion during a meeting of the religious leaders of Azerbaijan and Russia in Moscow.
"The agenda of our relations included the Nagorno-Karabakh problem among other issues," Russian Patriarch Kirill said following his meeting with Chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Board Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade on September 26, AzerTag news agency reported.
Kirill noted the need to continue efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh, which has last for more than 20 years.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict emerged in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since a lengthy war in the early 1990s that displaced over one million Azerbaijanis, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions.
"I would like to emphasize your constructive role in the dialogue on the settlement of the Karabakh problem. I think that we need to continue our efforts, because there is no other way out of the conflict," Kirill stressed.
He added that they also discussed the situation in the Near and Middle East. "We agreed that those who use religion as a weapon for their criminal and terrorist actions pose a serious threat to the entire world. Bloodshed in Syria and Iraq is a source of concern for Azerbaijani Muslims and Russian Orthodoxies," Kirill said.
He further pointed to the fact that the Azerbaijani diaspora in Russia play an important role in the country.
"We believe that no external circumstances and political troubles and conflicts can ruin the good friendship between the Azerbaijani and Russian nations," Kirill said.
The Patriarch also said he plans to visit Azerbaijan.
Pashazade, for his part, hailed the meeting as another step towards strengthening relations between the two nations.
Sheikhulislam Pashazade also received the Order of Holy Prince Daniel of Moscow from Patriarch Kirill during his visit to the Russian capital.
Speaking after the award-giving ceremony, Kirill said Pashazade has helped solve problems of both the Orthodox Christians and Muslims with his well thought-out position.
The Patriarch also hailed relations between the Moscow Patriarchy and the Caucasian Muslims Office.
"No external force can harm positive relationships between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Russia," he added.
Pashazade extended Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's greetings to the Patriarch of Moscow.
He noted that, there is always a particular need for advices of the great Russian nation's religious figures.
Sheikhulislam praised the overall development of Azerbaijan-Russia ties.
Azerbaijani Ambassador in Moscow Polad Bulbuloglu was also present at the ceremony.