Russia, Moscow / corr Trend R.Agayev Trend's exclusive interview with the President of Russian Azerbaijani Congress, the Honorary Scientific Figure of the Russian Federation, a member of Public Chamber at the Russian President, Mammad Javadovich Aliyev, who was attending the meeting of the State Council at the Kremlin on 8 February 2008.
Question: How would you describe the significance of the meeting of the State Council dedicated to Russia's Development Strategy by 2020?
Answer: I would call this meeting a historical event, because the country's position for the forthcoming 12 years, or by 2020, has been determined and the head of State has offered structural fundamental values which would serve as a basis for the further development of the country. I think they covered the milestones which are of interests of our compatriots residing in Russia.
Question: The Russian President also spoke about separatism in his appeal. The President stated that such manifestation cannot be allowed and any danger is heightened over other countries. To what extent does this position by the Russian leader correspond to the opinions taken by representatives of the Azerbaijani community of Russia on this issue?
Answer: It absolutely coincides to the opinions by the Azerbaijani Diaspora, because Karabakh remains the pain and the cancer in the body of Azerbaijan, which should be treated and the ways are perhaps laid in the long diplomatic manner. At the same time, it is necessary to have a real will to solve this problem. If different separatist groups are supported in different areas and countries around the world, it will turn out to be a boomerang on the basis of Europe and the world, in face approximately 200 worldwide, as far as I know.
Question: What load or responsibility does the tasks and recommendations addressed by the Russian President on different ministries, administrations and the community in whole put on the Azerbaijani Diaspora in terms of their implementation?
Answer: In his speech the President mentioned the water-line which has not been reached yet. Too much was said about the work done in the sphere of inter-nation relations during the Soviet period. Inter-nation relations were not so correctly established on the government level in any other world country than the former USSR. I think one of the most serious achievements of the Soviet Union was the political correctness in the inter-nation relations, accompanied by legal responsibility of the persons. This was realized through real work. Following Putin's coming into power the Azerbaijani community felt their feet on the ground. The pre-Putin period was an infinite way on the inter-nation basis, it was an anti-Caucasus and anti-Azerbaijani map exaggerated by press and media outlets. You may recall people being stacked at the Square purely because of the color of their skin or the language they spoke. It was a demonstration of Nazi and neo-Nazi policy by new-democrats. Over 8 years Putin has made great achievements. This is stability in the economic sector and inter-nation relations. Legal climate and legal support to diasporas residing in Russia appeared. As for the attitude towards the Azerbaijani Diaspora, it is well seen in my invitation to that event that I was not invited privately, but as a representative of the Azerbaijani community. We should understand exactly the President has determined its visions. We do not support a concrete personality. We should support the policy held by the President. Too much has been said and everyone tries to interpret Putin's address in their own way. My feeling was that Azerbaijanis of Russia are considered members of the Russian reality and they are accountable with us. They appealed to us and we understand him very well. It is also important to define the way to move forward. We will speak on this theme. There are coincidences in many parts of this speech. It is also support to small and medium-scale business which mainly involved Azerbaijanis. This is an education program, which allows Azerbaijanis by 2020 to rediscover their designations in their lives, including culture and scientific spheres. There is disproportion within the Azerbaijani Diaspora in favor of businessmen. These businessmen have got children and ambitious interests. Therefore, the President's education program is the document which should interest the Azerbaijani community of Russia.
Question: Russia determines definite policies for itself, though it might be symbolic. What will the Azerbaijani Diaspora look like by 2020?
Answer: In my opinion, the key goals of our Diaspora is to achieve natural changes in the appearance of Azerbaijanis in Russia so that they can have their niche in all areas in Russia, ranging from journalists, actors, musicians, scientist, political scientists etc.