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Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia Prevents Clash between Armenian and Azerbaijani Students

Politics Materials 2 May 2008 12:08 (UTC +04:00)
Peoples’  Friendship  University of   Russia Prevents Clash between Armenian and Azerbaijani Students

Russia, Moscow, 2 May / Trend .corr.R.Agaev / The Peoples' Friendship Festival 'Planet of South and West', which is usually held in the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (PFUR) on 1 May, was cancelled due to a possible mass clash between the Armenian and Azerbaijani students, a student from PFUR reported to Trend .

According to the student, the reason for the clash was caused by an Azerbaijani song being produced by an Armenian music band on the stage of the University. The band introduced the song as belonging to the Armenians. Azerbaijani students, who were seated near the stage, immediately retaliated and took the Azerbaijani and Turkish flags and began condemning the Armenians for stealing the national and cultural values of the Azerbaijani nation.

The Armenians responded with abusive words against the Azerbaijanis and plastic bottles were thrown at the Azerbaijani students. Later, in order to prevent any further provocation, the human rights activists attempted to disperse the Azerbaijani and Armenian students.

One of the black students came onto the stage and called for the Armenian and Azerbaijani students to convey friendship and mutual understanding towards each other. The PFUR Rector office representative also called for the Armenians and Azerbaijanis to restore order and to continue the ceremony. However, despite this the Armenian and Azerbaijani students continued to clash which was finally broken up after police interference.

Members of the law enforcement and emergency situations prevented a further clash by escorting the Armenian students to the Belayevo metro station nearby and the Azerbaijani students were sent in a different direction.

In 2007, during the same holiday, Azerbaijani sportsman, Agali Alishev, was amongst the participants and was injured during a similar clash which took place between the Armenian and Azerbaijani students.

According to a witness, there were about 500 Armenians and they were attempting to be provocative. There were only 100 or 150 Azerbaijani students. According to an Azerbaijani student, the Armenians constantly attempt similar provocations against Azerbaijanis and then attempt to present themselves as the victims.

"We call upon the Russian departments to put an end to similar unfair action by Armenians, which is directed to arouse international hostility in Russia. We, as Azerbaijani citizens are prepared to liberate the Azerbaijani occupied territories by the Armenians and we will never permit Armenians to offend the national cultural values of Azerbaijan," the Azerbaijani student stated.

One of the Armenian student stated that he witnessed the detention of four Armenian students by the Russian police. However, no information of the arrested was publicized.

The correspondent can be contacted at: [email protected]

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