Rachida Dati:’Azerbaijan is an example for the Muslim world’

Day.Az interviews Rachida Dati , the member of the European Parliament,  the Mayor of the 7th arrondissement of Paris.

- Some say that Islam and democracy can’t coexist. What do you think about future of Azerbaijan as a country which accepted secular model of development?

Azerbaijan is an example for the whole Muslim world. Some 94% of Azerbaijanis are Muslims and practice their religion in an open and free manner, and in a way which is respectful towards women’s rights.

We often hear concerns about the "islamization" of some countries, but in the meantime all too often we forget to support those countries like Azerbaijan in which Islam is practiced peacefully.
Beyond the well-known tolerance of the Azerbaijani people, the Azerbaijan model is the result of a true political will. I know that President Aliyev and Her Excellency Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva are greatly committed and determined to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue. I was very honoured to speak on that matter in Baku last October.

-Azerbaijan accepted European integration as a priority of its foreign policy. Meanwhile there are some powers in Europe that try to introduce the EU as a “Christian club”, we see it at the Turkish example. How would you comment on that opinion and may Azerbaijan face the same problem?

Europe cannot be reduced to a "Christian club". Beyond the cultural ties which can unite Europeans today, Europe is above all a political project grounded in common values and aspirations, which we share with some of our neighbours and allies like Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is a country with which the European Union is building ever closer relations, in particular within what we call the "Eastern Partnership". I wish to commend President Ilham Aliyev's determination in strengthening our relations. It is a commitment that I share.

-There is still a lack of information about Azerbaijan in Europe. Azerbaijan is not known at all or known only as an oil and gas country. In some cases info-war against Azerbaijan also plays its negative role. What should be done to make perception of Azerbaijan broader?

I believe the situation is changing. More and more people in Europe know Azerbaijan and have a positive perception of your country. Unfortunately, you are right to say that there is still too much disinformation, too many caricatures against your country.

But awareness is rising. I say it very often to the people I meet: Azerbaijan cannot be reduced to a "pipeline"! It is a country with a great culture, rich of its diversity, with an open and tolerant society, whose leaders want nothing less than a peaceful and honest dialogue with its international partners.

I wish to pay tribute to the important work done by Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva and the whole Heydar Aliyev Foundation in promoting your country and your culture abroad. I am very proud to have welcomed, in the Paris district where I am Mayor, the Azerbaijani cultural centre, inaugurated a few months ago by President Aliyev and Mrs. Aliyeva. We have to further develop these types of important initiatives, to enhance the dialogue between Azerbaijan and France, as well as Azerbaijan and Europe.

-What do you think about future of  the Azerbaijan-France bilateral relations?

Relations between both our countries have always been very good and it must remain that way. France was the second country to recognize Azerbaijan's independence in 1991. Paris was also President Ilham Aliyev's first bilateral visit abroad as Head of State. Trade between our countries has been increasing over the last few years, and cultural exchanges have taken the same path. The exhibition "Plaisirs de France" organized in Baku last spring was a success, and Azerbaijan has been one of the main patrons for the new wing of the Louvre Museum in Paris celebrating arts of Islam. Strengthening the cooperation between France and Azerbaijan is both a necessity and a duty.

-The EU and France in particular are quite often criticized for “insufficient active role” in the Karabakh settlement. Are there any differences in position of the EU and France on the issue, and what kind of role may Europeans play in the peace process?

France has a strategic position with regards to the Nagorno-Karabakh situation. As one of the three members of the Minsk group, France has a particular responsibility. But Europe cannot remain inactive.

Ever since the Lisbon treaty came into force three years ago, Europe has the necessary tools to be able to speak with one voice. I regret that Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has not been more clearly committed on the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh. I am aware of the great suffering this situation is for the whole Azerbaijani people. Europe cannot remain inaudible any longer. It is urgent for Europe to get involved in a clear and efficient manner.



/Today.Az/