Azeri chief cleric accuses Muslim countries of aiding Armenia

ANS TV, Baku,
2 Dec 04

[Presenter] There are some Islamic countries among those rendering aid
to Armenia, the head of the Spiritual Board of the Muslims of the
Caucasus, Allahsukur Pasazada, told a press conference today.

[Correspondent] Globalization has caused some debates in various
countries. However, it has been decided that it should be accepted
only on condition that local traditions are preserved, Pasazada
said. Otherwise, the unrestricted penetration of globalization into
the Islamic states will pose a threat to the future of small
countries.

As he has done during all his visits, Pasazada focused on the Karabakh
conflict during this visit [to Libya and Jordan].

[Pasazada, starts mid-sentence] To describe the Karabakh conflict, to
explain to them where Armenia is, where Karabakh is and where the
occupied territories are. Some countries are talking about Islam and
helping Armenia. We told them openly that this should not happen.

[Correspondent] After visiting Libya, Pasazada went to Jordan. In
addition to the aforesaid topics, Pasazada discussed with the king of
Jordan the opening of an Azerbaijani embassy there.

At the end of the press conference, Pasazada floated the idea that
except for two or three places, all 400 pilgrimage places in
Azerbaijan must be closed.