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Joseph Blatter: We are ready to contribute to the solution of Azerbaijanâ€™s conflict with Armenia

17 October 2007 12:11 (UTC +04:00)

â€œRamiz Mirzayevâ€™s absence in our meetings disappointed me. God will help him to recoverâ€. Blatter said FIFA and AFFA will develop joint cooperation in the future. â€œ We are assisting national associations in the framework of our projects. We started to work with AFFA 3 years ago. We also helped financially in the construction of this building. I am glad to see your childrenâ€™sâ€™ interest in football. We will further develop our cooperation as much as possibleâ€.
FIFA president said sport in not involved in politics. He stressed that his body might contribute to settle the problem between Azerbaijan and Armenia. â€œ
â€œSport should not take step in favour of any group. We can contribute to prevent any misunderstanding or conflict. For instance we can do so that Lebanon footballer crosses Israel and Palestine territory freely or Afghanistan joins the Olympic Games. I do not think there is a problem between Turkey and Greece. As to the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia we are ready to render possible proper assistance.
We will try to prevent these two teams to compete in the same group in 2010 world championship qualifying group. It is a sport matchâ€.
Michel Platini was asked about the author of the idea of cancelling match between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Michel reacted to the question smiling ironically. â€œI want to close this issue. It was UEFAâ€™s mistake. We then requested the experts to give recommendations after which the decision on the cancellation of the match passed.
Platini did not rule out that the European championship may be held in Azerbaijan. â€œIt may happen not earlier than 2106 at bets as the host countries for the next two European championships are announcedâ€.
At the end of the press conference Jospeh Blatter and Michl Platini presented FIFA and UEFA pennants to Elkhan Mammadov. The Youth and Sport Minister Azad Rahimov was conferred on the FIFA order by Blatter.
/APA-Sport/