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Siyavush Novruzov: â€œThey shouldnâ€™t forget that when Iran faced with pressure, our President made a statement that Azerbaijani territory will not be used against this countryâ€ â€“ INTERVIEW

27 January 2011 11:52 (UTC +04:00)

-The issue of hijab is one of the most discussed issues in the media. Do you think that there is a problem of hijab in Azerbaijan?

-There is no problem of hijab in our country, it has been created artificially. The Cabinet of Ministers, Baku Mayor or heads of regional executive powers have no decision about the clothing of Azerbaijani citizens. Everyone can wear what he (she) wants while walking in the city, visiting sacred places, praying, performing namaz. According to the Constitution of Azerbaijan, there is freedom of conscience. Azerbaijanâ€™s tolerance is taken for a model in the whole world. Religious tolerance is very high in Azerbaijan, all religions are respected. The things that are connected with provocation, separatism, sects, which are tools in the hand of various intelligence services, are prevented. As regards concrete establishments and organizations, uniforms are worn at secondary schools all over the world, in some countries uniforms are worn at higher schools, too. Even in some countries there are special schools for those who want to wear hijab. In general, uniforms are worn at secondary schools of the world countries, this is so in Azerbaijan, too. Pupils must attend classes wearing the uniforms determined by the school. There are Turkish lyceums in Azerbaijan. Pupils wear uniforms at these lyceums. One can not wear the uniform of another secondary school there. The uniform of the Turkish lyceums can not be worn in other secondary schools. Actually, uniforms have advantages. Once pupils wore various clothes at schools. The clothes of the rich and the poor differed. It had psychological influence on the pupils. They can wear what they want outside school. But pupils must wear uniforms at school and everyone must obey this rule. This is not against somebodyâ€™s religious position, or belief. Jeans can not be worn at school, it also concerns hijab. Some attempt to stir up confusion by saying that hijab is forbidden.

-Iranâ€™s religious leaders, parliamentarians made statements on the problem of hijab. Even one of the parliamentarians criticized the Azerbaijani authorities in connection with hijab.

-Even in the Soviet times belief in religion was more in Azerbaijan than in Iran, this is so at present. Azerbaijanis have always been faithful. The Azerbaijanis believed in Islam consciously. Religion in Iran does not serve Islam, Islamic values, it helps a group of persons to keep power, influence the Iranian people. We see that Iran, which calls itself an Islamic state, considers itself bulwark of Islam, helps most Armenia, the country, which has occupied Azerbaijanâ€™s territories and tortures Azerbaijani captives.

They didnâ€™t have such warm attitude towards the Muslim people that they have towards the Armenian president. What values they are talking about? Those, who envy the independence and leading role of Azerbaijan in the region, instigate a group of people who donâ€™t have any relation to the religion. Some mass media and other organizations of Iran are also doing that. Let them not to forget when Iran faced with pressure from the US and other countries, Azerbaijani President made a statement that there wouldnâ€™t be any sabotage or aggression against Iran from the territory of Azerbaijan. But Iran and its separate organizations are trying to commit sabotages against Azerbaijan. All of these are meaningless because Azerbaijani people are the founder of first democratic republic and founder of first opera in the East. If they want to serve the religion, they have to observe sayings of our Prophet. Holy Quran and the Prophet prefer sciences, development and progress. Islam and Muslims are based only on Holy Quran, exhortations of our Prophet and recommendations of our imams. There are general norms and resolutions made by the Islamic law schools on Shariat and other issues. It is meaningless if someone intends to interfere, to impose own thoughts.

- Iran made protective statements regarding the arrested chairman and some members of the unregistered Azerbaijan Islamic Party. What is your opinion about that?

- Today the Constitution of Azerbaijan and Law on political parties say that the religion is separate from the state. The religious figures can not be elected to the parliament, municipalities because the religion and political system are separate. There can not be political part under the religious name in the country. It is contradictory to the laws of Azerbaijan to involve the people in this party. Second, they can not veil their crimes under being representative or chairman of the unregistered party. All people are equal before the laws not depending on their political status. More than 90 percent of the Azerbaijani population is the Muslims. The law-enforcement bodies are investigating that issue and it will get its legal assessment. Iran must not interfere in the affairs of Azerbaijan. We also can say that people are executed and whipped in Iran, but we donâ€™t do that. There is number of political prisoners in Iran, who are Azerbaijani nationals and series of sabotages are committed against them. Azerbaijani spiritual values and historic monuments are damaged there. We also can protest many things in Iran. Our words are true and based on truth, but Iran tries to find someone here and protect themâ€¦