25 June 2009
http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1318
http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=1318
A deputy chairman of the Caucasian Muslim Board, Haji Salman Musaev - stressing he was speaking personally - has told Forum 18 News Service of his opposition to the further two amendments to the Religion Law due for consideration in the Milli Mejlis (parliament) on 30 June. The changes would ban foreigners and those who have studied Islam abroad from leading Muslim prayers and require state approval for all mosque leaders. "If religion here is separate from the state, they should explain why this is necessary," he told Forum 18. Opposition Milli Mejlis deputy Iqbal Agazade - who opposes the changes - told Forum 18 he fears they will be adopted. "Only about eight - maximum ten - deputies will vote against them." The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly called on Azerbaijan to send the restrictive May 2009 Religion Law amendments to its Venice Commission for review. But ruling party Milli Mejlis deputy Rabiyyat Aslanova told Forum 18: "Why should we check our every step with the Council of Europe? This would be wrong - a violation of our sovereignty."
