Azerbaijan can be example in terms of tolerance, ODIHR director says

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan can be an example for many world countries in terms of tolerance.

ODIHR Director Michael Link said this as he met Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Bahar Muradova on October 12.

He said, due to its geographical position, Azerbaijan is of great importance as a country that connects Europe with East.

“The existing tolerance here, peaceful coexistence between people practicing different religions, a great attitude toward Jews can be a model for many countries in the world. It’s because in other countries, where there are Jews, anti-Semitism is growing, making their life difficult,” said Link.

The ODIHR director added that in Baku he took part in the event dedicated to inter-religious dialogue, visited Guba , where Mountain Jews live, and was delighted with the conditions created for them.

Azerbaijan is gradually becoming a space for large-scale international events, Link emphasized.

Muradova, in turn, noted the importance of the efforts for prevention of the cataclysms taking place in the world and emphasized that experience of Azerbaijan in this sphere, coexistence throughout the millennia of the representatives of various religions, cultures and ethnic groups in peace and brotherly conditions is a good example.

 “Multiculturalism is the life-style of the people in Azerbaijan”, she stressed.

Muradova also highlighted the results of the referendum held in the country last month, noted that on the referendum the Azerbaijani people told “yes” to the important changes offered in the Constitution.

“Thus, Azerbaijan as an independent country entered a new stage. The international organizations which participated in the referendum as observers also confirmed that voting took place in democratic and transparent conditions,” Muradova said.

Azerbaijan intends to expand equal cooperation with all the structures of the OSCE based on mutual respect and trust, according to the deputy parliamentary speaker.

Later on this day, Link met with Mazahir Panahov, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC).

Link highlighted bilateral beneficial cooperation between both sides, adding such meetings contributed to deepening ties.

Panahov said he attached great importance to the bilateral cooperation with the influential international organizations.

He also stressed the importance of continuing the relations in field of election in terms of further improving the election practice.

The chairman stressed the role of studying the world experience and relations with the international organizations in development of election system in Azerbaijan.