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Chief of State Committee on Work with Azerbaijanis Living Abroad Nazim Ibrahimov holds press conference

29 February 2008 13:40 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Mahbuba Gasimbayli-APA. Chief of the State Committee on Work with Azerbaijanis Living Abroad Nazim Ibrahimov has today held a press conference in the office of New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), APA reports. Speaking about the last yearâ€™s activity of the committee Nazim Ibrahimov said special attention was paid to the involvement of Azerbaijanis living abroad in the formation of Diaspora, development of cooperation with other Diaspora organizations, particularly the business relations with Turkish and Jewish communities. Nazim Ibrahimov spoke about the First Forum of Azerbaijani and Turkish Diaspora organizations, the 11th Congress of Friendship, Brotherhood and Cooperation of Turkic-speaking Countries and Communities held in Baku in 2007 and noted that both events were of great importance.
The committee chief said mass deportation of Azerbaijanis from Russian Federation was prevented as a result of the actions taken by Azerbaijani government.
â€œNow our countrymen try to put all the necessary documents in order. Offices located in the regions also help the Azerbaijanis,â€ he said.
Nazim Ibrahimov noted that the committee closely cooperates with Heydar Aliyev Foundation in informing the world community of January 20 tragedy, Khojaly massacre, March 31 â€“ Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis, as well as in promoting Azerbaijanâ€™s culture. Nazim Ibrahimov also commented on the suppression of the rally on Khojaly massacre by Iranian law-enforcement bodies in Tehran.
â€œKhojaly massacre is a great tragedy in Azerbaijanâ€™s history. Everyone, who is considered to be our friend and brother, should commemorate this tragedy. We should not worry about the reaction of others. We should be more resolute in future,â€ he said.
Asked about the Azerbaijanis migrating to European countries the committee chief said his statements calling them back to motherland are still efficient.
â€œThere are political parties, pro-opposition forces and free media in our country. Azerbaijan is developing as a democratic country. Leaving the country and seeking asylum abroad is for conjuncture,â€ he said.
According to him, the great majority of the Azerbaijanis, who are granted asylum, introduce themselves and their relations as Armenians.
The committee chief also added that it would be better if the persons, who got asylum and sold their state and nation, do not return to Azerbaijan.