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Lilian Thuram: â€œThere is only race in the world â€“ human raceâ€ â€“ EXCLUSIVE

Lilian Thuram: â€œThere is only race in the world â€“ human raceâ€ â€“ <font color=red>EXCLUSIVE </font>

13 July 2009 09:11 (UTC +04:00)

- You were one of the famous football players in the world. Why did you join actively the anti-racism campaign after ending football career?

- It dates back to my childhood. This is my life, a story of the 9-year old boy, who arrived in Paris suburb and understood that he was not accepted by the people around because of color of his skin. I have become interested with the sources of racism since than. I read the historic books about that. I understood that racism got its sources from the misunderstanding between the people. Some people consider themselves superior than others. It is not a problem of only black people. For example Azerbaijanis also may face with racism in Europe, France, Italy, Spain or Russia. I send a message to the society: donâ€™t look with animosity at other people, who have a right to live together with us. We have to learn to co-exist and to be free from the ultra- national, religious and racist views. I know that it is not easy and therefore it needs to be started from the schools.

- How does your foundation establish its activity?

- I think there is only race in the world â€“ human race. It is not a slogan, it is a reality. The people say there are many races, but indeed we all come from same point. We have more signs which unite us than divide. The people have to accept this reality. There are physical and cultural differences between the people. For example, Azerbaijanis and French people have different cultures, but they are same biologically. The humanity has to pay much attention to this concept, which makes us closer and teaches us to respect each other and to live together. Everybody should understand that our world becomes smaller and we have to learn to co-exist in this small world.

Our foundation is an international organization, but we are working in France and have an office in Spain only. We take close interest in problems of racism in other countries too, because this problem exists in all countries. I am not aware of the situation in Azerbaijan, but generally I know that every country has to look back its history to lift this problem. We are equal and same.

- Is it monotonously to deal with public activity after the brilliant sport career?

- I donâ€™t deal with serious political career yet. There are some issues close to my nature, which are worthwhile to deal with. It will change the society and to create new ideas about some problems. I consider that my present life is more colorful and rich.