Azerbaijan’s religious affairs chief has defended the state policy requiring registration of religious organizations and state control over various religious activities. In an interview at the headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on May 31, Dr. Rafik Aliyev said that it was understood that religion was a special and sensitive issue, and that misunderstandings over the need for government control and registration could arise.

“The state of Azerbaijan feels the religious situation could turn into conflict, particularly between Muslim and Christian associations,” said Aliyev, chairman of the country’s state committee for religious affairs. “That’s why the state committee was founded, because the government felt it had to do something.”

He said Azerbaijan’s constitution provides for religious freedom and freedom of choice in matters of belief. “But the population has reacted inadequately to other religions,” Aliyev added. “We have a great task of explanation to the religious majority that transition from one religion to another is healthy and normal.”

The government requires all religious groups to re-register, and some have complained of delays and refusals in the process. Some media reports also allege problems of non-cooperation at the local level, as well as police intimidation.

Aliyev rejected such reports, saying they were not factual. “The state committee has not used the police, nor has any group been refused registration. We continue the process.” He also commented on local press reports that had targeted Christian groups, saying this was another reason for the state committee to work, to help combat such intolerance. Admitting that there were still problems in achieving full religious freedom, Aliyev said the state committee was there to help, not to hinder, religious worship and practice.

John Graz of the Adventist Church’s public affairs and religious liberty department responded, saying the meeting with Aliyev had been helpful in developing understanding. “We believe that as we work together and encourage mutual respect, religious freedom will grow and the fundamental right to believe according to the dictates of conscience will be respected.”