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Mubariz Gurbanli: Number of those intending to go to Syria, Iraq and other conflict zones dropping to almost zero in Azerbaijan

20 November 2014 07:44 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Ramiz Mikayiloghlu – APA. “The fight against radical religious groups is carried out through administrative, ideological propaganda and educational activities,” Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations Mubariz Gurbanli told APA.

The State Committee chairman said the main purpose is preventing radical religious groups from spreading negative thoughts among young people.

“The overall result is that propaganda of radical religious groups doesn’t produce the desired result and less people are following them in Azerbaijan. Our works, as well as the activities of law enforcement agencies, religious commissions established under executive authorities have led to significant changes. According to the information received from our departments in the regions, members are leaving radical religious groups, their number is gradually decreasing. Number of those intending to join non-religious wars of some geopolitical interests in Syria, Iraq and other countries is dropping to almost zero. Some people, who went there, are now disappointed and want to come back. I reiterate that if compared to other nations, Azerbaijanis are the fewest among others participating in this type of military operations. They are quite few in numbers. Our efforts are yielding results,” he said.

Gurbanli pointed out that the country’s socio-economic development, prevalence of Azerbaijanism in terms of ideology, works done at secondary and higher schools as well as other activities carried out by the International Multiculturalism Center, the Knowledge Foundation, and the Presidential Administration’s Department on Socio-Political Affairs and other departments are reducing and will reduce the activity of radical religious groups to zero.

“If someone seeks to reach political goals under the guise of religion or some others want to express their economic or mercenary interests and commit actions aimed at undermining the existing socio-political stability in Azerbaijan, they will be prevented by all means. There’s no other option or idea,” he added.