"I have observed that religious communities and buildings in Azerbaijan are treated with great respect and care," Jean-Pierre Allali, vice-president of the Association of Friends of Azerbaijan in France, writer, and author of about 30 books, told Report's local bureau while commenting on the false accusations about the alleged destruction of religious buildings in Azerbaijan.
He said he had witnessed the great activity of various religious communities during his visit to Azerbaijan. "I have visited Azerbaijan many times. Azerbaijan, where the majority of the population is Muslim, is an entirely secular country. Let's not forget that Azerbaijan granted suffrage to its female population before France and most European countries did. During my visits, I witnessed how active the Jewish and other religious communities in this country are. During my visit to the school where Azerbaijani Jewish children study, the children greeted me with songs."
The French writer said he witnessed great care for religious buildings, monuments, churches, and synagogues during his visit to Azerbaijan. "While in Azerbaijan, I met with representatives of the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities, as well as an official in charge of religious affairs. I have witnessed that religious communities get along very well with each other. National minorities in Azerbaijan operate entirely freely. I have seen that religious communities and religious buildings - churches and synagogues - are treated with particular care. Azerbaijan is a country that has real multiculturalism and treats other communities with great respect."