Azerbaijan is a model for state-religion relations, says Sheikhulislam
By Amina Nazarli
Azerbaijan is an exemplary country in terms of the relationship
between state and religion.
CMO Chairman Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade made a remark at
the “Religious leaders and violent extremism: difficulties in
connection with preventive measures " session within the framework
of 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
(UNAOC).
He said Azerbaijan does not experience religious discrimination.
“Azerbaijan is a country, where representatives of all religions live in mutual respect and understanding. There is no confrontation between the representatives of various Muslim scholars,” he noted.
Over the centuries people practicing different religions lived in peace in Azerbaijan and today nothing has changed in this regard.
Sheikh-ul-Islam underlined that the cases of use of Islam for political purposes has been increased in the world.
“We are concerned about the terror attacks in Pakistan, Turkey and other countries,” Pashazade said.
He further spoke about the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan adding that Armenians occupied the Azerbaijani lands, committing genocide against Azerbaijanis and destroying historical monuments in the occupied territories.
“We are committed to resolve the conflict. Sustained stability in Azerbaijan allows to work in this direction. We intend to solve this problem within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan,” the CMO Chairman emphasized.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
The three-day Forum targeting to make a contribution to solution
of many important global conflicts plans to hold about 30
sessions.
The forum to last until April 27 also adopted the Baku Declaration
during the ministerial meeting of the Forum on April 26. The Youth
Forum was held on the first day of the 7th UNAOC Global Forum.
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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @amina_nazarli
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