1st International Russian Book Festival opened within Russian Year in Azerbaijan

The festival brought together about 150 writers, poets, publishers, publicists and state figures, who have contributed much to the contemporary Russian book.

The world-famous Chingiz Aytamtov, Oljas Suleymanov, Verokina Dolina, Tatyana Ustinova, Eduard Uspenski, Vera Pavlova, David Markish, Aleksandr Ebonidze and several other prominent writers are among the festival participants.

First, the guests visited the tomb of the then President Heydar Aliyev and Martyrs' Alley.

Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfas Garayev made an opening speech. He talked about the importance of the Festival within the Russian Federation's Year in Azerbaijan in 2006.

"The Festival organized by the Russian Federal Agency of Mass Communications, Russian Information Telegraph Agency-ITAR-TASS and Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Ministry will have a positive impact on the Azerbaijani literature. It is a great pleasure for hosting such an international event. Our readers are happy that their lovely writers are in the country," the Minister said.

Mr.Garayev read the letter of congratulation by President Ilham Aliyev to the visitors and festival participants.

ITAR-TASS director general Vitali Ignatenko said the festival is important for Azerbaijan. Prominent Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aytamatov said it is a great pleasure for him to meet with Baku readers.
Kazakh writer Oljas Suleymanov, head of Azerbaijan Writers' Union Anar and several others shared their impressions on the festival.

"A roundtable- Eastern and Western poets, Pushkin and Nizami traditions" will be held at the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, and poetry night in the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Society today.

Azerbaijani singers will give a concert for the visitors and city residents on 16 September.

Russian writers and publishers will visit the Baku Slavic University and also visit several regions of the country.

Over 15,000 books brought from Russia will be delivered to Azerbaijani libraries free of charge after the festival ends. The sale and exhibition of the books will be organized, APA reports.