"We cried out of happiness in Shusha" Oleg Krapivin's interview with Caliber.Az

Caliber.Az had an interview with the Chairman of the Congress of Azerbaijanis in Kyiv, Honored Coach of Azerbaijan Oleg Krapivin.

- First of all, we would like to congratulate you on being awarded the Order of Friendship for your services in the development of the Azerbaijani diaspora. Was this award unexpected for you?

- Indeed, the award was unexpected to me. I'm just working for the benefit of our people and our motherland – Azerbaijan. Such an award puts a greater responsibility on me. I will try even harder and become even more responsible toward our compatriots living not only in Ukraine but all over the world.

I am proud that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has shown the whole world how to fight for the homeland and defend the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity. I was sure that sooner or later Azerbaijan would win. We have displayed to the whole world that the truth is on our side and justice will always prevail.

- Can you tell us about the goals and objectives of the Congress of Azerbaijanis in Kyiv?

- One of the main goals of the Congress is that our youth in Kyiv should not forget their native language and culture. In this regard, I would like to stress that there are two Azerbaijani Sunday schools in Kyiv. Moreover, we have organized clubs where children practice national dances. Moreover, we have opened "Bakinets" sports wrestling club  - a modern spacious sports facility with a wrestling hall, gym equipment, in which both Azerbaijanis and Ukrainians, as well as representatives of other nationalities, are engaged in wrestling. One of the tasks is for the wrestlers training there to compete for our club at competitions and Olympiads.

- What is the current situation of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Ukraine?

- The "Congress of Azerbaijanis in Kyiv" public organization is the next in line after the "Congress of Azerbaijanis of Ukraine in Kyiv" public organization, established in 1999. I have been leading it since 2008. Over the years of its activity, our diaspora organization has turned into a progressive and cohesive structure promoting our ancient history, rich culture, Azerbaijani language and literature, national cuisine and national traditions in Ukraine.

The Congress of Azerbaijanis in Kyiv truthfully informs the Ukrainian public about the Armenia-Azerbaijan Karabakh conflict, and renders comprehensive social and legal support to our compatriots, not only in Kyiv, but throughout Ukraine.

Our congress actively participates in the socio-political, economic, social and cultural life in Kyiv.

- What are your impressions from visiting Azerbaijan’s Shusha city and participating in the fifth Congress of World Azerbaijanis?

- It is a great honour for me to visit Shusha city [liberated from the Armenian occupation]. I can not express this joy. People usually cry from joy or grief. This time we cried out of happiness. The Azerbaijani president’s speech at the congress inspired us greatly. We all dreamed of visiting Shusha at least once, and when a person reaches this goal, he is very happy.

In accordance with the program of the congress and the tasks set for the diaspora, today the most important thing is to unite and preserve the patriotic spirit, wherever we are. Unity is necessary, because unfortunately, the Azerbaijani diaspora of Ukraine split in the past. But it was overcome thanks to the Azerbaijani State Committee on Work with the Diaspora.

The Rada of Ukrainian Azerbaijanis was established on April 14, 2019, and operates in Kyiv. It includes big diaspora organizations - the Congress of Azerbaijanis in Kyiv and the United Diaspora of Ukrainian Azerbaijanis. Thus, the Rada of Ukrainian Azerbaijanis operates within the Constitution of Ukraine, in accordance with the current legislation of the country, the Law "On National Minorities in Ukraine" and other corresponding legislative acts.

We must unite and show the unity of our people, especially after President Aliyev, the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani army showed our strength to the whole world. The organization of the fifth Congress of Azerbaijanis in Shusha, a city that is significant for every Azerbaijani, is evidence of this.