Posted by 
Last week, a conference on secularism and tolerance in Azerbaijan was held in Bourbon palace, where National Assembly of France is located, by the European Azerbaijan Society and the Institut de Découverte et d’Étude du Monde Musulman (IDEMM).
Chairing the conference, the member of French National Assembly, head of France-Azerbaijan Friendship Group, MP for French residents overseas Thierry Marian told APA that this event was held on the initiative of the European Azerbaijan Society.
Supporting this initiative, Thierry Marian considers that this is rather important issue: “Azerbaijan, which is known little in France, is such a unique country that though the majority of its population are Muslims, the representatives of all religions live here in peace. Christians and Jews live together as citizens of one country, there is full freedom of religion and high tolerance. Moreover, it is significant that the event is held at the building of National Assembly. As you know, an unpleasant event occurred here 6 months ago and Azerbaijanis, personally I was shocked. I’d like to note that due to some fools, negative opinion should not be formed about the National Assembly of France. Therefore, it is significant that this event was held here, it was a positive step for Azerbaijan’s promotion in France”.
Mariani underlined good level relations between France and Azerbaijan: “I’d like the French businessmen to be represented in Azerbaijan more. Today, the French people are mainly invested in Azerbaijan’s energy. I believe that France should be interested in Azerbaijan more. For instance, today, Baku has become a city that is growing modern, improving every day and it opens up new opportunities for cooperation of companies of the two countries.
Touching upon Nagorno Karabagh conflict, the MP stressed that France accepts territorial integrity of Azerbaijan: “When speaking about the territorial integrity, the question is the return of not only adjacent territories, but also of Nagorno Kabarakh, the situation lasting for 20 years is unacceptable. I think, holding such event at the National Assembly is significant in terms of informing the French society about Azerbaijan’s truths. When we speak about Azerbaijan, we firstly comment on its main problem – occupied territories. At the same time, Azerbaijan has become a stable and developing country in all spheres. For example, I have familiarized with the reports of several influential organizations, including the Council of Europe, European Parliament on the recent elections in the country and think that the results in those reports are positive aspects to promote your country in Europe”.
