The president of National Olympic Committee, deputy of Milli Medjlis Ilham Aliyev has arrived in Ganja for acquaintance with built Olympic complex, whose foundation he had laid two years ago. The representatives of the local authorities and city public have warmly met him in front of the complex.

First of all Ilham Alitev got acquainted to the photo stand that described the development of sports in Azerbaijan during the last years, and also to the building of the complex. Then he has examined the halls stipulated for competitions and trainings on separate kinds of sports. This complex, raised by trust "Àzerborukemertikinti" for less than two years and meeting all international standards, consists of two spacious halls and various subsidiary premises. Ilham Aliyev who was permanently controlling construction operations on the given object, has paid the special attention corresponding of everything, starting from large structures and up to the most minor parts, to the modern demands.

Having thoroughly familiarized with the complex, which is one of the finest gifts to ancient Ganja for the last years, president of National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev gave his recommendations.

After inspection of Olympic complex Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to Azerbaijan television.

INTERVIEW OF THE PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE, DEPUTY OF MILLI MEDJLIS ILHAM ALIYEV

CORRESPONDENT: Laying the foundation of this object about two years ago, you, probably, believed that such a beautiful complex would be raised.

ANSWER: I trusted that such a beautiful complex would be raised. Since I considered its project by my own. We have called for tender on building of the given complex. The company that introduced the most valuable offer has gained victory in this tender. I have directly appointed the given person. Therefore, staying here in 2000, I have personally have laid the foundation of this complex and knew that in further the beautiful sports structure would be opened up in Ganja. As you can see, the sports complex is completely ready today. It is possible to conduct international sports competitions of high level here. Along with this, it will also be possible to conduct trainings. Thus, I am sure that sportsmen, youngsters, children who dwell in Ganja can effectively use this complex.

QUESTION: For a very short time Azerbaijan also became famous in the field of sports. This became possible due to the state care of sports. How do you estimate the initiatives of our sportsmen?

ANSWER: I highly estimate the initiatives of our sportsmen. You know, the sports in Azerbaijan have been taking comprehensive development. The main reason of this development is that, on one hand, sports authorities adequately perform their duties, and on another, - our sportsmen adequately represent Azerbaijan on international competitions. We do our best to create the best conditions to the sportsmen, for the best possibilities for taking up sports to appear, for our sportsmen to participated regularly in international competitions. They, in turn, please all of us, all our people with their successful performances.

As you know, in a short time very bright victories in various kinds of sports are gained in Azerbaijan. Impressive victories are gained even in kinds of sports where some years ago there even was no speech about any development. It testifies that sports in Azerbaijan are assuming the mass character. The number of the people who take up sports is growing day after day, and level of professional sportsmen has also considerably increased. Therefore I, as the president of National Olympic Committee, would like to thank the sportsmen. They please all us with their fine performances.

QUESTION: Ilham muallim, in which region will also be opened Olympic sports complex?

ANSWER: Olympic sports complex is ready in Sheki city. Some minor questions remained undecided, but they, probably, will be decided in 2-3 weeks will. It is possible to say that the sports complex is also ready in Barda. At the same time the sports complex in Lenkaran is being built. In further in Guba, Shamakha and, as I repeatedly declared, in all regions of Azerbaijan will be built the most modern sports complexes that meet all world standards.

In past there were sports structures in Azerbaijan. However, they are already old. Some of them don't work at all. We build new modern, fine and at the same time beautiful buildings, so that these objects will decorate our cities, for all conditions for taking up sport to be created in them. For to supply these structures with water, equip with air conditioners, good cover, make them warm in winter, and cool in summer. All these questions have found their reflection in the given complex. Therefore with feeling of complete liability I can say that this sports complex is one of structures that meet the highest world standards.

CORRESPONDENT: The president of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev personally participates on the openings of all sports complexes. It is connected to the care of the head of our state about sports.

ANSWER: Certainly, the head of our state Mr. President is permanently interested in sports, cares much about it. As you know, the President of Azerbaijan has awarded the outstanding sportsmen with high state awards - orders, medals. I can say, that the head of our state is permanently interested in processes in sports, and is not only interested, but also renders the large help. I can with say confidently that the development of sports in Azerbaijan would not achieve such a high level without this help, and the sports could not assume such development.

Certainly, personal participation of Mr. President in openings of the complexes, his performances during these openings encourage all us, sportsmen, coaches, sports authorities. This is the great support for us and great respect, high evaluation of our activity. Therefore on behalf of the whole sports public I would like to express Mr. President our gratitude for finding time and caring sports despite his hard schedule of work.

BAKU.12.09.2002. ÀzerÒÀj.