An interview to the newspaper “Izvestiya”

Mehriban Aliyeva: I want to work, to help people.

Heydar Aliyev was born on May 10, 1923. He should be 82 year old this year. But he did not come to, passed away in eighty. He could not celebrate even his 80th anniversary and welcomed the 80th day of his birth in the hospital. A number of countries awarded him with their high orders on the eve of this jubilee. But these awards were not presented to him before his death. Heydar Aliyev firmly brought all the nation together and died. It is a fact. Heads of several countries came to Baku to express respect in his memory, say 'farewell'. But this sad and unhappy event happened in that December will always be remembered along with high example of faith in debt he showed with his behavior during the meeting with students of military school in April.

Heydar Aliyev passed away by having implemented a certain mission. He left the life in a way, which is not specific to every prominent politician, - Heydar Aliyev was surely such politician. And it can be said with full ground that he arranged all his works before passing away. He brought the great mission he started in field of building the statehood of new Azerbaijan to the stage of its logics, firm character and said farewell to the life.

Today son of Heydar Aliyev continues the mission of the nation's father in a worthy manner. He bears double responsibility. He is responsible for the nation first. Besides, inside himself he cannot be irresponsible before his father, lose his prestige and confidence, drop the level of the policy he conducts determined by Heydar Aliyev. The last year and a half of presidency of Ilham Aliyev showed that he is able not only to protect and continue the policy of his father but also to develop it for the future.

New criteria are used in big political works and they often create new possibilities or getting strategic and tactical results. As representative of modern political leaders, Ilham Aliyev is helped much at the moment by his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva. In general, role of the first lady is sometimes very important in modern world.

But for Mrs Aliyeva it is not a sign of respect to the modern fashion like 'just to show herself'. She fulfils an independent duty she assumed deliberately and with certainty, implements very serious humanitarian programs for several months as Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO.

There can be a question at first sight what can do the one without any official authority and plenipotentiary right? To sign a contract - it cannot do this, to hold official negotiations - it cannot do this, too. Is everything is achieved by official means in modern politics and diplomacy? Then what to do when as if all the chances are over? Sometimes unofficial talk (this is a pure formal reflection indeed because there are not talks in the politics) with anyone on any issue settles many things. Then who would assume the settlement of desperate humanitarian problems without any benefit and earning and because of this considered 'not interesting' for big and as if 'serious' politicians? But there is a separate tragedy of human being (and universal tragedy at the same time) behind every such kind of humanitarian problem!

Mehriban Aliyeva is engaged just in such kind of work and carries it out in a worthy manner.

Question: I would like to start our talk so - Your name is Mehriban, which has beautiful meanings in Russian language - merciful, lovely. You really are kind, generous, modest and lovely, goodwill ambassador, as well member of Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee. Olympic Games are also goodwill. So, Mehriban is good will and reflection of beautiful qualities. What are names of Your daughters?

Answer: Leila and Arzu. Very nice Azeri names. Arzu means desire, dream. Meaning of Leila is night, dark night.

There is indeed such a theory that name of the man has an impact on its whole fate. I cannot say in what extent this theory is realized in real life but notions such as goodness, mercy are really vital for me. I think, mercy, in a wide sense of the word, is one of the best human features.

Question: Those having listened to Your speeches (as well Your husband's) say Your Russian is beautiful. What is the current situation in Azerbaijan regarding Russian language and in what extent is it spread in daily life? How do Russian schools act? What is meaning of Russian language for Azerbaijan?

Answer: First of all I want to say no Russian-language school was shutdown in Azerbaijan over 10-12 years. Departments of all the higher schools that classes are given in Russian remain.

200-year connection with Russia made Russian language the reflection of both cultural and domestic lives. A nice theatre like Russian Dram Theatre functions in Baku, repertoire of which mostly includes Russian classics and modern plays of Russian-language authors. Beautiful Russian troupe acts within Musical Comedy Theatre.

For us Russian language is not only the language of great Russian culture but also means of relationship and receiving information. Personally for me 'Inostrannaya literatura' magazine is a chance of familiarization with different works of the world literature both in soviet time and now.

Of course, youth study other foreign languages as well along with Russian. But very big historical experience gained due to efforts of a number of generations, such beautiful results of dialog of cultures are very precious to us. Majority of the intellectuals in Azerbaijan keep now their scientific and creative ties with Russian elite and use Russian language very actively. Creativity of Magsud Ibrahimbeyov who writes in Russian is a bright example to this.

By the way, Slav University has been established in Azerbaijan in base of Russian Language and Literature. Except Russian language specialists, personnel on all the Slav languages are prepared here.

Question: Year of Azerbaijan in Russia. You have founded 'Irs' ('Heritage') magazine. I have read the last issue devoted to Heydar Aliyevich. Very interesting issue that was originally compiled. Unfortunately not all even those interested in Caucasus, Azerbaijan are aware of this magazine. Are You going to distribute it in Russian audience in any form? At least through Diaspora? Do You have such plans? Due to the program of Azerbaijan year You may give now Your contribution to the study of Azeri culture in Russia. As a protector of cultural legacy, what kind of plans do You have?

Answer: I got many plans. It is too hard to talk about all of them. We want to use Azerbaijan year in Russia in order to propagate our cultural heritage to the people both in capital and remotes of Russia. Very rich Azeri culture is able to cause interest and it is enough to study it for loving it.

While creating 10 years ago Foundation 'Friends of Azeri Culture', our major goal was to popularize Azeri culture. I founded 'Irs' magazine at the time. The magazine was indeed dealing with coverage of the Foundation's activity and every issue devoted to certain topic was popular and at the same time research material. I can proudly say that no one has written so sweetly of Azeri culture before us. For example, when we decided to write about miniature or architectural monuments, we have cooperated with both scientists of academy, journalists and masters of art.

Both the Foundation and the magazine were to fulfill very complicated duties. Those years independent Azerbaijan was in stage of organization. Along with political and economic changes, a process of getting rid of the former ideology was going, stereotypes destructed. It that quite complicated period our cultural heritage was again undergoing filter of thought, returning to original traditions and roots. By the way, participants of the world convention of Azerbaijanis were given a number of issues of the magazine and reps of Diaspora highly valued it. We created contacts and since then every issue of the magazine is sent to the address of those interested in that. I think there is need already for long ago for electron version of the magazine. But its distribution to the whole Russian audience is pretty serious project and we may think of this.

It is usually considered that in comparison with the remote countries, we know each other better like close neighbors. But the reality shows that it is not so at all. We would like the year of Azerbaijan, as well next year - year of Russia in Azerbaijan to help us in this.

The world receives the information mostly from Internet resources. I think there is no need to explain it. It needs to accept it just as a fact and try to put it into operation in maximal manner. We prepare special site called 'Azerbaijan' in Heydar Aliyev Foundation. This site will be opened in later May. Only in Azeri, English and Russian languages for now. We intend to add several languages in future.

Question: Will there be news band?

Answer: Absolutely.

Question: How many times a day will this band be updated?

Answer: Minimally 3-4 times a day.

Question: Is the site is made by yourself or Russian specialists are involved?

Answer: No. Everything is done by ourselves. Specialists are invited for translation only.

Question: UNESCO has considered the mugham the world legacy. You protect this ancient music tradition. Album 'Karabakh singers' was recently released in Azerbaijan. Whose idea was this? Does Your Foundation plan to present such music collection to Russian listeners? Will the articles on Azerbaijan folk music be published in Russian language?

Answer: First I would like to mention that material of album 'Karabakh singers' is presented in Azeri, English, Russian and French languages. It is clear that music itself does not need to be translated.

Except releasing different albums on mugham, we are working on the special series consisted of scientific works on mugham. It will include authors of the middle ages, as well modern researchers of the mugham like French researcher Dyuring who published beautiful monograph about mugham in the 80s. Every such project will be published in several languages. Different symposiums on mugham problems, 'round table's, informal meetings will be held and I hope Russian art masters will take part in these actions.

As you know, UNESCO adopted decision on granting me the title 'Goodwill Ambassador'. I am ambassador on oral and music traditions. And it is fully natural that mugham, which has been included in the list of the world heritage pearls, was the main field of my activity. But of course, very rich music traditions of Azerbaijani people are not restricted with mugham only. There are so many projects and desires waiting for us on ashig creativity, meykhana, which is very unique tradition and faced unpleasant attitude in soviet time, and a number of other branches of art.

Presentation of album 'Karabakh singers' showed that there is very big need for such kind of projects.

Question: Does the idea of releasing album 'Karabakh singers' belong to You?

Answer: Yes, it was my initiative. You know. Mugham is genetic code of every Azerbaijani. It is genetic code of every young Azerbaijani that does not still understand mugham and listen to it because of certain reasons but will definitely come to this.

Any music, it makes no difference whether it is symphonic, popular or national, has its place. It is not good to prefer only one. It is vividly felt particularly on TV. Unfortunately if something is not covered on TV there is such an impression that it does not exist as if. I cannot say that there were problems in our country concerning folk music, specially mugham. Just there was need for new impulse, extraordinary approach.

When we held the 'round table' for the first time with mugham masters to present our first seven projects to their judgment it was very important for me to hear opinion of these coryphees. Our talk was successful. As a result of this talk specific program on mugham was worked out and it was started to be carried out under patronage of UNESCO.

But as Goodwill Ambassador, my activity is directed in general towards protection of oral traditions and music traditions and it would not be right to restrict this activity with Azerbaijan only. By the way, in my speech at the regional sitting of UNESCO in Kazan I supported the immortalization of oral tradition such as beautiful Sabantuy holiday.

Mugham is worldwide legacy, but it was not approached so far from the sole attitude, its roots, philosophical features were not studied. We intend to build International Mugham Center in Baku. President has already signed decree and I think this center will play great role in regional projects.

Question: So, You opened way to the Decree of the President?

Answer: Let us say so: we all raised the problem regarding the creation of the center. There were several versions to solve it and these were considering the location of the center at one of the existing buildings. President decided to start the new construction is better. It is just the reaction of the state to the problems raised by figures of culture. It is probably the normal form of the mutual relationship between the state and civic society.

It is natural, as we commenced to prepare the book 'Karabakh' after releasing album 'Karabakh singers'.

It is known that there are several mugham schools in Azerbaijan. Karabakh Mugham School is one of the leading ones. At present it is facing big danger, number of young singers of this genre dropped much. Little mugham singers are usually called Karabakh nightingales. Children growing in the camps of IDPs that are residents of Karabakh do not sing mugham today, such Karabakh nightingales among them are too less. They need Karabakh mountains, Karabakh nature, Karabakh land to sing. It is enough to say that great coryphees of Azeri culture such as Uzeyir Hajibeyov and Bulbul were born in Shusha. So, a pure music project brought to creation of political project.

Karabakh is our sorrow, pain, history, national wealth. The book 'Karabakh' is to be published soon. By the way, I want to underline that it is hardly worked at present on the big project conditionally called 'Hajibeyov'. This project considers republication of all the works, as well claviers of Hajibeyov, also CD and DVD releases of all his works. I do not want to widely talk of this project, but I think we have not implemented so far the projects in such scale and level.

I am Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO. This organization is not engaged with political affairs. I was saying in my talks in Paris: 'Well, we do not touch the occupation problem, we do not touch political problems, but a million of refugees and IDPs live in tent stations, children do not get education. State is not able to settle all these issues. Is education included in the sphere of activity of UNESCO? Yes. Then what to do for children? They are growing. They have lost time, they do not receive required education'.

Then. Problem of mugham. We are losing these voices, they will never have substitute. We are losing architectural monuments, they have been destructed.

Expert opinions prove destruction of so many pearls of the world culture in these territories. We must raise these issues. That is why we decided to deliver the truth on Karabakh problem to the world union through mugham as well.

Question: Social programs in Azerbaijan. What is the situation in fighting HIV, hepatitis and other viral infections? How the grants are paid to families with many children? What successes have been gained in fight against poverty?

Answer: I immediately want to say that Heydar Aliyev Foundation began to act on May 10, 2004. We act for a year. Scope of the activity is too wide. Major duty and goal of this Foundation is to protect legacy of Heydar Aliyev. We are preparing to create Heydar Aliyev University, Scientific-Research Institute on Heydar Aliyev Legacy. I mean we plan to implement global projects. But since the establishment of the Foundation we started to deal with social problems. These problems are linked first of all to refugees and IDPs, children's homes and boarding schools, people suffering from different diseases.

I want to say in advance that we do not directly deal with poverty issues. There is state program in Azerbaijan on poverty reduction and it is implemented in firm cooperation with international structures. It needs to take into consideration that we do not have social subsidy system indeed, process called monetization in Russia has already been carried out in our country in pretty silent circumstance.

I want to mention the two of the programs on child health - programs concerning diabetes and thalassemia. Situation regarding the child diabetes was a bit improved, program started. Thalassemia problem is more complicated: unfortunately Azerbaijan is among the countries where thalassemia is widespread. It is known that this is genetic blood disease. But experience of a number of Mediterranean countries shows that this illness can successfully be fought. At present thalassemia center is built by the Foundation and there will be daytime hospital at this center. While the construction is implemented, we hold training for specialists, send them to a number of countries to take practice.

Four big projects on children's homes and boarding schools were carried out, 12 schools are repaired at the moment. I personally visited 28 boarding schools and my program considers visit to every such school of the country. While saying to visit I surely mean rendering the aid.

And they need different, every kind of help. There are such problems that can be solved immediately and in an easy manner. These are linked to repair, equipment and supply. But while solving the specific problem, global ones should not be forgotten. For example, it is too necessary to take into consideration that all the system of children's homes and boarding schools was created in frame of soviet pedagogy and soviet management of education. So it needs to open the doors for benefiting and using experience of other countries.

We have met for many times and discussed the problems with education employees, reps of different public organizations represented in Azerbaijan, spouses of ambassadors of foreign countries to Azerbaijan. Proposals are too many - from repeal of the current system and transferring to 'family children's homes' to the aid of specific education manual. The important is that no one is indifferent to problems. a number of organizations and people create now cooperative ties with the Foundation in this direction. But more global duties are settled too late.

As physician I understand very well that mentally and physically retarded children are result only, it is the last hoop of the chain of very complicated public processes. It is backed by poverty, harmful habits and sometimes just the lack of certain necessary medical knowledge. All these demand realization of long-term programs. We are not afraid of the projects requiring to be realized for years, but at the same time we understand well that people expect from us help and advantage in very short time. It is difficult duty to unite all these but we will cope with.

Question: How would You imagine current situation of refugees, what do they need first of all?

Answer: It is such a problem that it will be hard to forget even when everything is settled. I believe that the truth will conquer and Azerbaijan will restore its territorial integrity. Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is unprecedented humanitarian disaster first of all. Each of a million refugees and IDPs got own tragedy.

They first of all need help and consolation. I wish you saw how hopefully they were welcoming every delegation. They think these delegations may help them in returning to native places. Mostly they feel need to tell their problems to someone and find consolation.

Yes, today we do everything within possibilities of Azerbaijani state and Azerbaijani society. First funds from Oil Fund were allocated just for construction of city stations for refugees and IDPs and their evacuation from tent camps. Their endless tolerance and belief I saw while communicating with them are admirable. They believe that equity will conquer, lands will be released and they will again possess home.

Question: It is the 60th anniversary of the Victory in Great Patriotic War. You have attended the festivity held in Moscow. What does 9 May mean for You personally?

Answer: Holiday held in Moscow was very unique event and I think none of its participants was indifferent to this. For me Victory holiday is one another lesson of history, theme of which is that evil will be punished and goodness will conquer. More than 600,000 Azerbaijanis went to the front and more than half of them did not come back. More than 90% of the oil required for the front was provided by Baku. Popular 'Molotov cocktail' was produced by Azerbaijani oil workers, exactly saying it is invention of academician Y.Mammadaliyev, 100th anniversary of whom was marked by UNESCO this year.

Except men, the war mobilized here women and children as well, they substituted for their husbands and fathers in oil mines. In a word, there was not family in Azerbaijan that has no link to the war. My parents were children during the war, children of war era.

We held very nice meeting with veterans at Heydar Aliyev Foundation. I left that meeting with pride and sorrow hurting my heart. Victory holiday is holiday of veterans first of all, they should be protected, cared.

Question: What kind of changes happened in Your life after Your husband was elected President? Are You disturbed by popularity? You got children, serious public activity. Is it hard to be spouse of President?

Answer: In a word it is very responsible. What about my life nothing changed. Since childhood I was raised in popular atmosphere. Taking into consideration that I was in the first year of university when was member of Heydar Aliyev family, so a number of factors characterized the formed conduct type during more than 20 years. That is why it is hard for me to say particular changes happened.

Another has been changed - something away from me has been changed. For example, I have thought all my life that generosity you want to do should not be publicized. Now I am almost deprived of this. All the charity actions I held in the status of the first lady are in the focus of attention of community. This factor of popularity disturbs me but brings some innovations to my lifestyle and I accept it as it is. But is quite difficult for me as the one very far from showing itself.

Question: How do the children react it?

Answer: Different. Probably Heydar just does not see all these. Irrespective of nothing, he considers us major ones and of course, for him no one can be stronger, clever and generous than us. But girls are already adult and I think they bear their responsibility in a worthy manner.

Question: It is impossible to imagine the political life of the country without opposition, freedom of speech. What is the situation in Your family from view of freedom of speech and is there 'opposition'?

Answer: Family is first of all consisted of people with the same views. These people are man and woman having similar life principles and moral values. So I think there should not be opposition in the family in radical sense of the word. Ilham and I think the same on many things. We have been raised in much the same atmosphere. These are Azerbaijani intellectuals who, despite all the difficulties of the last century, were devoted to their ideals, moral values, and national traditions.

Woman, even if she is spouse of president, is woman first of all and guarantor of peace, harmony and love in the family. It is very important for me that my husband comes home after very interesting and hard working day and he is understood, supported, valued and loved here. I want to be friend and beloved.

Question: You probably achieve this.

Answer: This question should be addressed to Ilham.

Question: You support national traditions, develop mugham as a part of the world culture. Do You believe in religion? Famous statesmen demonstratively visit the holy places, what do You think about this?

Answer: I believe in God. I am not believer, I just believe in God and this notion reflects my inner world more exactly.

What about that statesmen visit the saint places in emphatic manner, I think it is much more sin than unhappiness. Because quite personal issue such as contact with God and Holiness obey to protocol and becomes element of popularity. I think their inner need should not be doubted for this.

Question: You are physician-ophthalmologist by profession. Have not You forgotten Your specialization?

Answer: After graduating from The First Moscow Medical Institute I have worked at the Moscow Eye Diseases Scientific-Research Institute. I have not worked on my specialization for long years. That is why much has naturally been forgotten. Ophthalmology is such a sphere that if you stop working for a few months you need to fill up what you missed.

Question: What did inspire You in choosing the profession?

Answer: I had no other alternative since I realized myself. My mother was scientist of oriental studies. She had headed the Institute of Oriental Studies of Azerbaijan Sciences Academy. But after finishing the school she submitted her documents to the medical institute because she wanted so much to be doctor. But her parents tempted her for long time for certain reasons and as a result she became prominent philologist. So, her unrealized dream determined my choice.

But mother of Ilham - physician-ophthalmologist Mrs Zarifa Aliyeva had an influence on choice of the specialization. Unfortunately our relations with Mrs Zarifa Aliyeva did not last long. We were familiarized in 1983 and in 1985 she died. I have the best memories of this talented and beautiful woman.

Question: Moscow. How long have You lived there, do You have nostalgia for Moscow?

Answer: Perhaps this nostalgia belongs to the youth. It was unforgettable years. We surely have friends in Moscow and we remember all them with big sincerity. Of course, today I accept Moscow in quite another manner. Every minute is counted in the protocol and I cannot walk the city as much as I want. Moscow has become fantastically beautiful, but it is already another city. Everything is another here. Moscow of that time remained in the history, and also in my history. Sooner or later it probably happens in all the cities where we spent good days in due time.

Question: How would You compare the features of father and son? Which features of Heydar Alirza oglu do You remember particularly?

Answer: There is surely similarity. It is reflected in many things. First of all in intellect and character.

It is not possible to answer the question on Heydar Alirza oglu in frame of one interview. Many books have been written about him. But unfortunately none of them reflects the complete greatness of his personality. First of all, Heydar Alirza oglu possessed charisma clearly expressed. His energy was able to change everything around. Everything used to be changed by his arrival. His fantastic memory, intellect, endless possession of information were able to solve the problems seemed hard to be resolved. Substance of Heydar Aliyev phenomenon has not fully been disclosed. Much is written about Heydar Aliyev in soviet time of the history, try to explain that he could change the desperate situation in Azerbaijan or Heydar Aliyev was 'master of power'. But all these are on the same man. These materials do not reflect philosophical comprehension that leader can be pragmatic and strategist at the same time.

He was very simple in family, daily relationship. He was not connected with his children and grandchildren through blood relations only. Despite he was very busy, he used to show sensitive care to each of them.

But it is too hard to compare him. Heydar Aliyev is great and unrepeatable personality! His children, grandchildren possess some features of his character. But they naturally are another. New era demands new approach, life goes on.

Question: What profession would You like Your son to choose?

Answer: I would not like to interfere much in this choice. The main for me is to do my best for realization of his natural potential possibilities and training as a good man. If everything is all right with intellect and moral of the man, no matter how I will value this, it is his own right to choose the lifestyle.

Question: Perhaps You would like Your son to take after his grandfather, what do You think of the continuation of dynastic tradition?

Answer: It is enough to have a look in European history to understand that a simple truth - elites' theory has not been repealed yet by anyone. Of course, I would cordially like my son to take after his grandfather. But we all know that each of us is born with specific character, fate. It is hard for me to speak about fortune of my son. He is clever boy, has very clear character, he is much more interested in contact with adults than those of his age. It is impossible to predict the life. Of course, as a mother I am not deprived of healthy ambitions and want to believe that everything will be good for him in his life, but time will show everything. The most important for me is that I want him to be raised as worthy man, love his homeland, be proud of his people, be ready to serve it. And it is not important in what sphere it will be realized - in military work, science, profession of physician or writer. There are many appreciable examples in history of our families.

Question: What do You think about European classics, can You follow the modern art?

Answer: It is not always possible in my lifestyle to go somewhere, listen to something or see something. I recently was in Grand Opera after repair. But it was by accident. I was in Paris and was not busy in the evening. We got tickets and I went.

I cannot say that I know the modern art deeply. But of course I am aware of the major innovations and directions. Perhaps 'using the culture in this manner' while being in center of all the premieres in Europe demands special lifestyle and free time, but I always have less time. Despite this, I try to be aware of all events of cultural life of the country.

Question: Which books do You read, in which genre are You interested?

Answer: Regarding the books I have, as they say, very 'universal' taste. I buy books in Baku, also they are brought from oversea, as well from Moscow. Regarding the modern literature I can say that good literature that is easy to read is not less. But there is always such a question that can it be called literature. That is why we are obliged to get back to classics. For instance, recently I was reading Dostoyevsky twice, I invented several things. Current comprehension is fully different from one of youth.

Question: What can You say about TV?

Answer: In general, I am not man of TV, I am man of book. It happened so. Ilham watches all the information broadcasts, but when he is not home, I even do not turn TV set on. What about cinematography, cinema is also arisen from literature for me. That is why European, as well Russian cinema is closer to me than movies produced in Hollywood. In modern time TV is often a device for killing time. But time is the major problem for me.

Question: What about friends?

Answer: My daughters have been grown now and they are my closest friends. I highly value my relations with my sister. We are firm friends with her. Unfortunately my life rhythm does not let me spend enough time with my closest, native people. I much worry because I cannot spend much time with my father. Lack of time does not let me keep wider contacts.

Question: Do not You find Yourself overloaded with work?

Answer: Of course, there is plenty of works but I do not suffer from hard working day. When the one believes that the work it implements is right, useful and necessary, it works with enthusiasm. Physical tiredness is compensated with moral delight.

Question: Do You prefer coffee or tea?

Answer: I like tea and I prefer green tea to black one.

Question: How do You rest?

Answer: This question is impossible to answer. I cannot rest for now. I think it needs to have rest together with family. We will rest when Ilham has time.

Question: Is it hard for You to observe the protocol during visits?

Answer: You know, meetings with very interesting people compensate all these flights, agenda. As a rule, presidents are covered by famous personalities. They are shown interesting things of the country. I think to pay visit, have acquaintance with people, culture of other nations is happiness.

Question: President comes with his spouse, talks, meetings, political actions wait for him. Do spouses have own program?

Answer: Yes, spouses have specific programs except welcoming ceremonies and other especially solemn actions. They try to show the most interesting things to the spouses of the first persons. It is good chance to be familiarized with capitals. When will I have such a chance once more to see and view the most beautiful and interesting places of the world?

Question: How many such visits have You paid within a year and a half?

Answer: Probably we paid exactly ten visits maybe fifteen. It is too hard from physical point of view, flights are tiring, everything is to be done according to agenda but what to do. We stand. It needs to be in form always and represent the country in a worthy manner.

Question: Lora Bush deals with serious programs, Hillary Clinton is governor, has commenced to political career. Would You be able to be engaged in politics?

Answer: Of course, wide opportunities are opened for this. But everything depends on the activity. If political activity is close to me then this work can be started in an easier manner. I do not deal with politics, I just help the people. If it can be called politics, then please, consider it so. Usually desire of arriving into power is meant while saying politics. I am not man of power and I am not eager for the power. It is not up to me.

I feel that there is need for me as both UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation. More than 200 letters are addressed to me daily. Each of them is paid attention. I want to work, to help people. I want to solve the specific problems, feel joy while helping and regret when I cannot do anything because of reasons not depending on me, suffer while understanding my weakness before fate, unrecoverable disease, feel joy once again while seeing smile of a saved child. It is my choice.

Oleg Siganov