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Abbas Abbasov: â€œI will not run for presidentâ€

30 May 2013 13:46 (UTC +04:00)

Moscow. Farid Akbarov – APA. “Our aim is to achieve the unity of Azerbaijanis in Russia. It needs to help Azerbaijanis in Russia to demonstrate solidarity, not to stir up discord among them,” said Abbas Abbasov, chairman of the Union of Azerbaijani Organizations in Russia and the Elders Council of Federal National-Cultural Autonomy of Azerbaijanis in Russia “AzerRos”, in his interview with APA’s Moscow correspondent.

He said that Russia is the second homeland for Azerbaijanis living here: “Azerbaijan is our homeland. But we are living in Russia now. There are not only Russian Azerbaijanis, a lot of our compatriots are also coming to work in this country. They are labor migrants. They are sending the money they earn here to their relatives in Azerbaijan. Our aim is to help our compatriots in the solution of their problems. As chairman of Elders Council of “AzerRos”, I’m serving to my compatriots. I want the organizations in Russia to unite. But unfortunately, the rumors about us prevent this. We are engaged in social work. But some forces politicize this issue. Therefore, we have not achieved this unity yet. The forces, who stand against our unity, are trying to create a sensation and confrontation. They want to stir up discord between the Azerbaijani government and me. I have served the Azerbaijani government for 15 years as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Republic. I didn’t hold another position. I can’t betray the Azerbaijani government and people. I want political stability in Azerbaijan. I have witnessed chaos and bloody days in early 1990. I don’t want to see this again. On the contrary, with their malicious intentions, some forces want to stir up a confrontation between the Azerbaijani government and me.”

Abbas Abbasov said they invite everybody to the events they hold. “We want to see All-Russia Azerbaijanis Congress, our embassy in our events. We are doing it for Azerbaijani statehood. But it should be mutual. None of them join our events. The representatives of other nations laugh at us. They ask about our cool relations. We all are from the same land. I am already 64 years old. I expect them to respect me. I am chairing two organizations registered in Russia. It is impossible to deny these organizations. One can dislike Abbas Abbasov. But one shouldn’t disrespect these organizations. Being chairman of an organization I attend all their events. But they do not attend our events. Why don’t they ask these organizations why they do not joint our events?” he said.

Abbas Abbasov said he reads all articles and comments about him in Azerbaijani media.
“These are dirty actions. One can not even say this is a tale. They want to stir up confrontation between me and the authorities. I held a meeting, sincere talk with our Honorable President. We have understood each other. I can not be an enemy of the Azerbaijani authorities, state or people,” he said.

He said media reports that there is tension in his relations with President are false.
“I know who back these reports. I have normal relations with President. I have recently had a phone talk with our Honorable President. Unfortunately, I can not prevent these reports,” he said.

Abbas Abbasov also spoke about the upcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan. “I will not run for president. I reiterate that I am not engaged in politics, I have no such an intention. I am engaged in social work. With the blessings of Mr. President, I am chairing AzerRos National-Cultural Federal Autonomy. I am working hard day and night. Every day I visit provinces of Russia. Media reports that Abbas Abbasov is preparing for the presidential elections, will run for president are false. I want the Azerbaijani state, authorities and people know I am not engaged in politics. I am tired of these rumors. We have one enemy. We should struggle against them. Who will liberate our lands, if we do not unite?” he said.