By Kostas Onisenko
Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to maintain the integrity and smooth operation of the Christian churches in the Nagorno-Karabakh region during their telephone conversation.
According to the Kremlin press office, during the conversation with Ilham Aliyev, Vladimir Putin drew attention to the fact that in the areas that – according to the tripartite agreement – return to the Republic of Azerbaijan there are Christian temples and monasteries.
In this regard, he stressed the importance of the preservation and normal ecclesiastical function of these religious sites”.
For his part, according to President Aliyev’s press office, the latter said that Azerbaijan is a multi-religious country where religious freedoms are guaranteed.
“President Aliyev stated that Christian temples in areas returning to Azerbaijan will also be protected by the state. Christians in Azerbaijan will have access to these temples,” the statement said.