Baku: According to the joint action plan for 2024 signed between the Ministry of Defense and the State Committee on Religious Associations, representatives of the committee have met with servicemen and held enlightenment talks with them, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense told AZERTAC.

‘First, the blessed memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, and Martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, was honored with observing a minute of silence.

The meetings discussed the role of the Islam religion in the military-patriotic upbringing of youth, the measures taken by the state to protect national-spiritual values, including the importance of the International Conference themed ‘Embracing Diversity: Tackling Islamophobia in 2024′ held in Azerbaijan, and the ideas expressed at it. The significance of enlightenment activities was also highlighted.

In the end, the servicemen’s questions were answered,’ the ministry said.

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ource: Azerbaijan State News Agency

Former chairman of the Inspection Committee of the Russian Football Union (RFU) and former FIFA referee Alexey Spirin has passed away at the age of 72. This was reported on the RFU website, APA reports.

It is noted that Spirin died on January 31. «The Russian Football Union expresses sincere condolences to the family and friends of Alexey Spirin», – the statement said.

Spirin was the youngest FIFA referee (at 35 years old) in the history of Soviet football. He officiated over 50 international matches at club and national team levels, worked at the first leg of the UEFA Cup final in 1991, matches of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, the 1992 European Championship in Sweden, and the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. After retiring as a referee, he worked in various positions within the RFU, including as general secretary, and also headed the RFU Inspection Committee.

Source: Azeri-Press news agency