Ali Hasanov: "NTRC can not stop caring for the usage, development and transparency of the Azerbaijani language, just because separate representatives or the great majority of the nation know any foreign language"

"The idea to cancel Azerbaijani as the official language or rename it is not new. In 1995, when the draft Constitution prepared under the leadership of national leader Heydar Aliyev was discussed, various proposals, variants were put forth, but the great majority of the people voted for naming our language Azerbaijani and it became necessary to apply it as the official language.

Those who do not agree to the state status of the Azerbaijani language, try to make it a second-rate language, base their positions on the national leader’s famous statement “One nation, two states”. But they should not forget that our national leader was proud of speaking the Azerbaijani language, having Azerbaijani mentality, customs and traditions and recommended to learn and protect the Azerbaijani language," chief of socio-political department of the President’s Office Ali Hasanov said while taking a stance on the decision of the National Television and Radio Council (NTRC) to broadcast programs on Azeri channels in the mother tongue.

Ali Hasanov said Heydar Aliyev had initiated to define the Azerbaijani language as the official language in the Constitution and underlined that it was the duty of every politician following Heydar Aliyev’s political course to take care of the Azerbaijani language.

"Like every nation, Azerbaijanis have the right to have their own language, speak this language, read in this language and no one can cast shadow on the right of the people. Azerbaijani has improved, has its own place in the family of languages and is spoken in the international events due to the will and worthy choice of Azerbaijani people," he said.

According to Ali Hasanov, NTRC can not stop caring for the usage, development and transparency of the Azerbaijani language, just because separate representatives or the great majority of the nation know any foreign language and even understand the programs in these languages well.

"National Television and Radio Council passed decisions aiming to improve our mother tongue in line with Azerbaijani legislation and within its power. Let those who oppose the application of our mother tongue find another slogan," he said.

/APA/