Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 28 / Trend K.Zarbaliyeva /
All women and girls in Azerbaijan are free to choose to wear the hijab and there are no prohibitions in this matter, Interior Minister Ramil Usubov told the Azerbaijan newspaper.
"Forces unwilling to accept a progressive environment that prevails in the area of freedom of belief in Azerbaijan launched a new initiative that high school student must attend school with head-scarves. This is unacceptable in terms of values inherent in a secular, civilized society. A single form was defined for the secondary school students. Who wants his child to walk with head-scarves may require doing it at home. Do those who violently forcing their wives to cover their heads ask them for their opinions? "Why do they try to bring back their daughters, who even not formed as an independent person in the past when obscurantism reigned, and deprive them of opportunities to acquire knowledge and be useful for society? Azerbaijani woman made her choice: to be free and independent, direct their full potential for the development of their people, their country," Usubov said.
Usubov said the role of women in modern Azerbaijan is high, and it fully guaranteed her freedom and civil rights.
"Modern Azerbaijani woman with her spiritual qualities, devotion to her family and honor is the subject of our pride. Her role in the political life of our country, science, education, culture and other areas is undeniable," Usubov said.
He said no force is able to destabilize the situation in Azerbaijan.
"Anti-Azerbaijani network should be aware that all its actions against our country will nip in the bud. All our employees are vigilant with regard to religious extremism and radicalism. Relevant government agencies will not allow any encroachment groups attempting to disrupt the internal stability in our country," Usubov said.
Azerbaijan is the country recognizing the Islamic values as the fundamental spiritual principles, while at the same time, is the most striking example of religious tolerance globally.
"At the same time, this is a state, where exist different cultures, religions, and the country where representatives of various faiths are peacefully living. There are no obstacles in our country for members of other faiths to wear clothing and follow their religious rites," Usubov said.
"We need to devote more time to enrich the inner spiritual world of people, particularly adolescents and young people, their adaptation to national values. These issues should be paid attention by religious servants. They must take care that our citizens are distancing themselves from such ideas as superstition, obscurantism, extremism and radicalism, and realize the true essence of our religion," he added.