843: On the Road to Baku: Aiming for a system of territorial integrity, respect for religious diversity, and minority rights. Dr. Farid Shafiyev
Image: On the Road to Baku: Dr. Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of Center of Analysis of International Relations, a Baku think-tank; in re: Seeking a Versailles Treaty Conference for the ummah. Azerbaijan is a Shi’a culture that’s tolerant, generous, welcoming. Ur region is a mosaic of groups and cultures which, during the Middle Ages and later, for the most part lived in peace and harmony. Currently, threats of overpopulation, and now even the pandemic. Referring to the experience of Europe: it created a system of territorial integrity, respect for religious diversity, and minority rights. I’d like to see this across Central Asia and the Middle East. Concerning Turkey, it has an opportunity to [be a force for good]. Yes the First World War was avoidable. Note that the kings were relatives. To avoid replicating it, we need to resolve tracks, such as between Saudi and Iran.