Azerbaijani diaspora in France

"There are not so many Azerbaijanis in Grenoble, France. There are about 30 or 40 of them. Some are students, some are families who have moved there recently and some from South Azerbaijan. The most well-known person among Grenoble Azerbaijanis is Sahib Gazakhbayli, the chairman of a police station in Grenoble. His father was captivated during the World War II and stayed in Europe. Sahib Gazakhbayli's brother Fredrik Gazakhbayli is the head of "Gazkah" ensemble. The ensemble is on visit in Azerbaijan now," participant of the 2nd Congress of World Azerbaijanis, President of the France-Azerbaijan Science and Education Development Association Fazil Zeynalov told in his interview.

As APA reports, Zeynalov was born in Chaparli village of Shamkir region, Azerbaijan, in 1975. He graduated from the Public Administration Academy in 1997. Then he won the scholarship and continued his education in France. Zeynalov got his post-graduate course and Doctor's degree in Pierre Mendes France University in Grenoble. He defended his thesis titled "European organizations and security in the Caucasus". Now, Zeynalov gives classes in the University.

"We established the France-Azerbaijan Science and Education Development Association in 2001.The then President Heydar Aliyev made some recommendations to us related to reinforcing the Diaspora activity during his visit to France. He said that Diaspora activity should be a certain constituent part of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy conception," Zeynalov said.

Saying that they organized Days of Azerbaijan in the Grenoble University, Zeynalov added that they held a large conference in commemoration of the Khojali genocide on 24 February. "I, a Turkish and a French scientist gave detailed information to the professors and students about the history of the Karabakh conflict, savageries perpetrated by Armenians. We publicized all truths about Karabakh," Zeynalov added.

According to him, the Association plans to hold a large conference "Azerbaijan and international security". Scientists from different countries, including Azerbaijan will be invited to the conference. Fazil Zeynalov also stressed the importance of setting up a Coordination Council to improve efficiency of the Azerbaijani diaspora activity in France. He reported that more than 400,000 Armenians are living in France and have powerful diaspora.

"The 4th-5th generation of Armenians, who immigrated to France in the 20s of last century, lives there now. They have broad links and have strongly integrated into French society. Though French Armenians live and act like French, they preserve their Armenian origin today. You cannot posibly compare them with us. French Armenians are even in state posts. Armenians are in the surroundings of President Jacques Chirac. The French President's adviser is Armenian, he was Industry Minister in previous government," Zeynalov said.

He also reported that our compatriot named Aleksi Shiklinski works in France National Assembly Office.