ABULFAS GARAYEV: AZERBAIJANIS’ PARTICIPATION IN THE "WEEK OF AZERBAIJAN" IN ARMENIA IS AN INCONSIDERATE STEP

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Dec 19 2007

"Azerbaijanis’ participation in the "Week of Azerbaijan" in Armenia is
an inconsiderate and inopportune step," Culture and Tourism Minister
Abulfas Garayev told journalists, APA reports.

The minister mentioned that 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories
are under occupation and about one million people were displaced.

The minister noted that Armenia always puts forth ideas and initiatives
on holding such events.

"These initiatives have one goal: Armenians want to tell the world that
there are no problems between the nations, we are friends, the problem
is among politicians and quite another atmosphere should be formed. But
we are not ready to have serious discussions and establish bilateral
relations with the representatives of the aggressive country, unless
our lands are liberated. It does not mean that I do not meet with
Armenian minister, or contact Armenians in international events. We are
the members of an international family and meet anyway. But is it not
right to speak about establishing serious, bilateral relations now,"
he said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress