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APA, Azerbaijan
May 27 2013
TEAS responds to Prince Charles' private visit to Armenia
[ 27 May 2013 18:57 ]
Baku - APA. The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) notes that Prince
Charles is to pay a private visit to Armenia from 28-30 May at the
invitation of the Yerevan, My Love charity foundation, which aims `to
safeguard the historic districts of Yerevan and improve the life
experiences of young people from disadvantaged communities', TEAS told
APA.
TEAS trusts that he will appreciate the architectural splendour of the
many mosques that once flourished in the city - surviving now,
unfortunately, only in old photographs - and will spare a thought for
the almost one million people of neighbouring Azerbaijan disadvantaged
by being driven from their homes by Armenian forces.
TEAS is pleased to acknowledge Prince Charles' interest in the history
of the South Caucasus. During his visit to Armenia he will have the
opportunity to experience the country's Christian church architecture.
However, TEAS is hopeful that he will find the opportunity to cross
the border to neighbouring Azerbaijan, where he will be able to
examine some of the oldest Christian churches in the Caucasus, as well
as synagogues, mosques and other places of worship, all of which bear
testament to that country's long history of religious and ethnic
tolerance. In Baku, he will also find an Armenian Gregorian church
that has been restored with the support of the Azerbaijani government.
Of course, Prince Charles will have some difficulty in crossing the
border, as some 20% of Azerbaijan's lands are still under Armenian
occupation, in a 20-year defiance of four UN resolutions. His meeting
with Armenian President Sargsyan will certainly be an opportunity to
advocate respect for international law.
The first day of his visit on 28 May will also coincide with
Azerbaijani Republic Day, which recalls the foundation of the
Azerbaijani Democratic Republic (ADR) in 1918. During its 23 months of
existence, the ADR was the first democratic and secular government in
the Muslim world. It was extremely progressive, introducing the
franchise for all women over the age of 18 years and establishing Baku
State University, amongst other developments. TEAS hopes that Prince
Charles will express his congratulations to the Azerbaijani people on
this important public holiday and further cement the long-standing
relations with a significant trading partner.
Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, said: "Prince Charles is quite rightly
universally admired for his ecumenical outlook, and his respect for
all faiths. Indeed, he publicly declared that he wished to be a
defender of all of the faiths. I hope he will visit Azerbaijan, where
he will be able to see mosques, synagogues and churches, and witness
the religious tolerance which is a hallmark of the country."
From: A. Papazian
May 27 2013
TEAS responds to Prince Charles' private visit to Armenia
[ 27 May 2013 18:57 ]
Baku - APA. The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) notes that Prince
Charles is to pay a private visit to Armenia from 28-30 May at the
invitation of the Yerevan, My Love charity foundation, which aims `to
safeguard the historic districts of Yerevan and improve the life
experiences of young people from disadvantaged communities', TEAS told
APA.
TEAS trusts that he will appreciate the architectural splendour of the
many mosques that once flourished in the city - surviving now,
unfortunately, only in old photographs - and will spare a thought for
the almost one million people of neighbouring Azerbaijan disadvantaged
by being driven from their homes by Armenian forces.
TEAS is pleased to acknowledge Prince Charles' interest in the history
of the South Caucasus. During his visit to Armenia he will have the
opportunity to experience the country's Christian church architecture.
However, TEAS is hopeful that he will find the opportunity to cross
the border to neighbouring Azerbaijan, where he will be able to
examine some of the oldest Christian churches in the Caucasus, as well
as synagogues, mosques and other places of worship, all of which bear
testament to that country's long history of religious and ethnic
tolerance. In Baku, he will also find an Armenian Gregorian church
that has been restored with the support of the Azerbaijani government.
Of course, Prince Charles will have some difficulty in crossing the
border, as some 20% of Azerbaijan's lands are still under Armenian
occupation, in a 20-year defiance of four UN resolutions. His meeting
with Armenian President Sargsyan will certainly be an opportunity to
advocate respect for international law.
The first day of his visit on 28 May will also coincide with
Azerbaijani Republic Day, which recalls the foundation of the
Azerbaijani Democratic Republic (ADR) in 1918. During its 23 months of
existence, the ADR was the first democratic and secular government in
the Muslim world. It was extremely progressive, introducing the
franchise for all women over the age of 18 years and establishing Baku
State University, amongst other developments. TEAS hopes that Prince
Charles will express his congratulations to the Azerbaijani people on
this important public holiday and further cement the long-standing
relations with a significant trading partner.
Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, said: "Prince Charles is quite rightly
universally admired for his ecumenical outlook, and his respect for
all faiths. Indeed, he publicly declared that he wished to be a
defender of all of the faiths. I hope he will visit Azerbaijan, where
he will be able to see mosques, synagogues and churches, and witness
the religious tolerance which is a hallmark of the country."
From: A. Papazian