Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Sept 17 2004

MEETING WITH HEAD OF THE CAUCASUS CLERICAL OFFICE
[September 17, 2004, 21:08:22]

Chairman of the Clerical Office of the Caucasus Moslem, Sheik-Ul-Islam
Haji Allahshukur Pashazadeh has received the delegation headed by
President of the European Commission Romano Prodi in his residence.

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
Ï, 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.