| www.euronews.com Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic, is one of the poorest countries in Central Asia. On Norouz, the first day of the Persian New Year, Emomali Rahmon the President of Tajikistan spoke to euronews on the situation in the country 20 years after independence, relations with Russia and Iran and democratisation in the country. euronews: Your Excellency Emomali Rahmon President of Tajikistan, happy new year. Do you see the Norouz as an occasion to celebrate the national identity of the Tajikistan? Are the Norouz ceremonies these days the beginning of the restoration of Tajik identity which was so damaged by the former Soviet Union? President Emomali Rahmon: During the Soviet era, there were huge restrictions on performing traditions and national customs. These celebrations were banned and those who practised them were persecuted. But this celebration is in the heart of our people. Even during more than 70 years of domination, the soviet regime could not abolish this tradition. The same thing had happened even before the USSR, as it was thought to be against Islam, but finally it was accepted. Norouz is the celebration of the victory of virtue over the vice. It encourages good deeds. It is about forgiveness. Such a celebration is one of the rarest in the world. euronews: Iran has been under increasing international sanctions. Have they had an impact on relations between Tajikistan and Iran? President Emomali Rahmon: As far as we know, the Islamic Republic of ... |
