Diaspora

Diaspora

Vahid Alekberov: "I support Ilham Aliyev, President of all Azerbaijanis" - EXCLUSIVE

Vahid Alekberov: "I support Ilham Aliyev, President of all Azerbaijanis" - <span style="color: red;"> EXCLUSIVE

14 June 2013 08:43 (UTC +04:00)

- You have also joined to the Union of Azerbaijani Organizations in Russia…

- Yes, I supported the establishment of this organization. We have established this organization for the sake of the Azerbaijanis living in Russia. This organization is not against anyone. I personally support Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijani President, as well as President of all Azerbaijanis. I support Ilham Aliyev’s candidacy in the presidential elections for the next term and all initiatives in this regard. I will visit Baku soon and express support for Ilham Aliyev, President of all Azerbaijanis there.

- However, Azerbaijani media sounds other claims about the Union of Azerbaijani Organizations in Russia, in which you are represented. It is reported that the organization was established at the request of the Kremlin. How would you comment on it?

- These articles are products of and imagination. The Union of Azerbaijani Organizations in Russia is a social organization. This organization was established at the initiative of the Azerbaijanis living and working here. The purpose of the organization is to coordinate and regulate the activities of other Diaspora organizations. Today, Federal National-Cultural Autonomy of Azerbaijanis in Russia “AzerRos” is actively operating and carrying out important works under the leadership of Abbas Abbasov.

I was also Vice-president of the All-Russian Azerbaijan Congress. Currently, I am represented in that organization. Unfortunately, All-Russian Azerbaijan Congress failed to meet our expectations. Problems emerged on the organizational issues.

- How do you assess the activity of the Azerbaijani Diaspora in Russia in general?

- The activity of the Azerbaijani Diaspora in Russia is positive. Azerbaijanis living here are making great contributions to the economy of the Russian Federation. Azerbaijani businessmen take part in the social life of Russia. Important activities are carried out on their initiatives. This is a positive case. Currently, Azerbaijani businessmen are doing important work in the social life of the Russian regions under the leadership of the Federal National Cultural autonomy.

-There is stagnation in the participation of LUKOIL in recent projects carried out in Azerbaijan…

- I would not say so. We are currently negotiating with SOCAR on new projects. We are interested in expanding our company’s activities in Azerbaijan.