FILA PRESIDENT RAPHAEL MARTINETTI: WRESTLING IS UNLIKELY TO CREATE RAPPROCHEMENT BETWEEN AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA BUT WILL ALLOW MEETINGS BETWEEN THESE COUNTRIES
APA
15 Sep 2007 15:06
"Wrestling is unlikely to create rapprochement between Azerbaijan
and Armenia but will allow meetings between these countries," said
FILA President Raphael Martinetti at a press conference in Baku.
He said he is aware of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
He added that the licensing world championship in Baku will be open
for any wrestlers.
"We have had meetings with Azerbaijani and Armenian sides. We have
reached agreement. There should be no hostility in sport. Azerbaijani
and Armenian wrestlers may be rivals but not enemies. Under FILA rules,
every country is entitled to have presence in the world championship,"
he said.
He added that the International Olympic Committee has thanked FILA
for paving the way for Armenian wrestlers’ presence in Baku.
"I am glad that the contest will take place in Baku.
Baku seems ready for this. This championship will be the most
magnificent event for FILA. Azeri wrestlers have great achievements. I
would also say that the new changes in rules have been hailed by
wrestlers, media and FILA leadership," he said.
Raphael Martinetti got angry when asked one more question about
Armenians’ presence in Baku.
"I see we so much talked about hostility. Please, ask questions about
the wrestling. I believe that Azerbaijan will provide the full security
of the contest," he said.
He added that there are women wrestling in more than 100 countries.
"there are not women wrestling in only some countries like Qatar
and Kuwait. We plan to develop women wrestling in the future. We are
negotiating with the IOC. Greco-Roman style is not suitable for women,"
he concluded.