AYNUR SOFIYEVA: “FIDE RECOGNIZES TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF AZERBAIJAN”

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 8 2006

In the next congress of FIDE held in Turin city of Italy, there was
a dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia Chess Federation leadership.

In the meeting, Armenians proposed accepting of tournament by FIDE,
which was held in occupied Nagorno Garabagh. Instead they confronted
the severe reply of Aynur Sofiyeva: “Making a speech I asked to
put an end to this talk. I stated that Armenian have nothing to do
with Nagorno Garabagh as well as with Khankendi. How can they hold
tournament in the occupied territory of Azerbaijan?” According to
Aynur Soviyeva after that speech, FIDE president Kirsan Ilumjinov
supported Azerbaijan Chess Federation: “He said in his speech
that holding of tournament of Armenia in the occupied territory is
illegal. FIDE leader said that Azerbaijan Chess Federation should give
permission for holding tournament in Azerbaijani territories occupied
by Armenia.” According to Aynur Sofiyeva, three sided meeting – FIDE,
Azerbaijan and Armenia delegation participation, was to be held with
regard to this matter.