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The director of Education Department of Russian Nijegorodsk province:

17 August 2007 09:57 (UTC +04:00)

-What opportunities do Azeris have for being educated in native language in Nijegorodsk province?

-There are no Azerbaijani schools here. As to Azeri language, if Azeris have come to Russia, they should learn speaking Russian and preserve their culture at the same time. Therefore we give Azeris chance to study in their native language and propagate in this direction. If Azerbaijani schools are established in Nijegorodsk, we will not impede, on contrary we will assist.

-What Azeris are dealt with in Nijegorodsk?

-I know that majority of Azeris are playing football here. Even there are coaches there who want our children to train as a footballer. Majority of your compatriots are studying.

-Azerbaijanisâ€™ approach to education is high compared with other fields, isnâ€™t it?

-Every nation has its own level and people. There are talented students among Azerbaijanis who are studying in our Universities. I know that most of them graduated our higher schools with golden medals. But there are also children who can not conform circumstances existing here. But they are trying to adapt.

-There are rumors that Azeris come to Russia not to be educated, but for shopping in marketsâ€¦.

-I do not support such opinions. Every man has his position to this issue. My position is that Azerbaijanis try to get out of the circle called market. They are trying to enter to more sectors for becoming equal members of Russia and Nijegorodsk province. Most Azerbaijanis are working in various fields. I know that there are lawyers, economists among Azeris. Therefore I do not agree with the opinion on Azerisâ€™ coming to Russia for shopping in markets. New-comers can deal with shopping for starting work. But I think that they will try to get out of this circle soon.

-There are a lot of skinheads in Nijini-Novgorodâ€¦.

-There is organization called â€œSkinheadâ€. But it has no a lot of members and their activity is not observed here. Of course, there occurred some conflicts between the students on national dispute. For example: with Africans. But we have good relations with Azeris and Armenians. I can give another example. My son is playing football. There are two Azeris and three Armenians in the team he plays. All of them are 14 year old. They have good relations. They visit each other as guests. /APA/