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On February 27 Azerbaijani news agency "Salamnews" published misinformation about an event allegedly held at the Peoples Friendship University of Russia (PFUR) promoting Azerbaijani version of Aghdam events that took place in 1992.

Agency correspondent in Moscow reported that allegedly the event that was organized by the World Azerbaijanis Congress (WAC) with the support of the youth organization “AZE PROJECT” and the Youth Club of "Friendship" of PFUR, Azerbaijani version of events was presented. Allegedly "in his statement, the representative of the “Friendship” youth club noted the importance of such an event in Russia in order to present to the international community the truth about the events in Khojalu and the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict in general."

In connection with the appearance of such provocative information in the Azerbaijani press, a group of graduates of the university, sent a letter to PFUR rector V. Filippov in which they expressed their concern and outrage for exploitation of the image of the university by the Azerbaijani disinformators. The University, however, is aimed at strengthening the friendly relations between nations, the search for dialogue and agreement.

The Rector answered promptly: “These kinds of events are unacceptable to be held in the People's Friendship University, and moreover to be covered by media. The materials are sent to the pro-rector for court examination. A conversation between the pro-rector of non-Academic Affairs A. Gladush, President of the Armenian and Azerbaijani national groups, with the participation of the head of the sector of the CIS and European countries and regions of the Russian Federation Igor Ephraim was held fairly quickly.

During the meeting, the head of the Azerbaijani national groups Binnat Buniatov noted that an article published on the website salamnews.org, did not correspond with the truth. The President of the Azerbaijani national groups appealed to the graduates of PFUR of Armenian origin, apologizing for the provocative activities of his compatriots.

“As one of the organizer I completely refute the information that is found on salamnews.org website. However I admit that the event was devoted to the last decades of the history of Azerbaijan and the unity of the Azerbaijani Youth and coordination of actions in order to increase the efficiency and quality of the activities of the Azerbaijani youth organizations in the Russian Federation.

As chairman of my Diaspora in People's Friendship University, I could not allow such misunderstandings to be committed, in which you can get sure by looking through the materials covering the event.

On my behalf and on behalf of the organizers I apologize and express regret for the possible incorrect statements of some individuals. Fraternity students from Azerbaijan are always ready and willing to cooperate with other affinity groups, including students from the Republic of Armenia in PFUR “Hayastan,” the statement says.

B. Buniatov addressed to the editor of the Azerbaijani news agency with a demand to publish a refutation of misinformation, but instead the material available at the following address, was simply deleted.