VIKTOR MERESHKIN: "COSSACKS HAVE BEEN ON AZERBAIJAN’S SIDE FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT"

Today
itics/44265.html
April 14 2008
Azerbaijan

"We plan to open a memorial of friendship of Cossacks and Azerbaijanis
in Azerbaijan, which is our home", said the head of Cossacks
clannishness of Azerbaijan Viktor Mereshkin.

He said the memorial will be impressive and there will be a symbolic
eight angled star and a large alley will pass near it.

According to him, the memorial opening will be attended by visitors
from Russia and Ukraine.

"This will be not only ordinary visitors but also governors of all
11 Cossacks armed forces of Russia, as well as senior representatives
of Ukrainian forces", said he.

He considers that the visitors will be glad to see the memodial.

"The thing is that many establish memorials to Cossacks but not so
whole-heartedly as it is done in Azerbaijan, noted Mereshkin.

He said they plan to award orders to some participants of the event
and also to President of Azerbaijan.

He noted that during the military conflicts, people try to attract
Cossacks to their side, while Cossacks continue supporting Azerbaijan.

"Since the very beginning of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, they have
been for Azerbaijan and said "Azerbaijan is right! We are for our
brothers!"", Mereshkin concluded.