by VK
Russia marked the Day of Solidarity in Fighting Terrorism in early September. It is the latest memorable date in Russia, set after the tragedy of Beslan 2004. Experts of the University for Oil and Gas named after Gubkin expressed their views on the topic “We are different, but we stand against terror together” on September 3.
Victor Martynov, head of the Gubkinsky University, said that his education center “is probably one of the most multinational, as a matter of fact. We have students from all regions of Russia and 65 countries of the world; the oil and gas industry is naturally international. Oil and gas companies are usually international and operate in many regions of the world, without any doubt, operated by people of different nationalities. They work very fruitfully together, consolidated by professional competencies and knowledge, and achieve good results. Historically, our oil and gas industry started in the Caucasus, Grozny, Baku... What matters is how professional you are, not what nationality you belong to. We put education above ethnicity and religion. Most important is training good professionals for the industry. This is done so as to prevent terror, violence, pressure on people. This is why we are hosting the meeting.”
Russian MP Alexander Vasilenko, recalling the tragedy of Beslan, expressed the view that “since then, everyone needs to understand that the fight against terrorism is not elsewhere, not carried out by special services, army, military or that politicians are in many aspects responsible for it. It is the job of all people.”
Magomed Omarov, Vice President of the “Dagestan” Cultural Center, stated: “We have a rich history. We must not give anyone reasons to provoke disagreements.”
Kantemir Khurtayev, Chairman of the Union of Student Communities, noted that “terrorism has neither nationality, nor religion. They are not people, they are barbarians realizing their hideous terrorist acts. One of the most well-known and authoritative people has recently been killed in Dagestan. Explosions have been made in Ingushetia. It is a disaster, this evil continues to pursue us and people still suffer. We should not associate terrorism with any nationality or religion. Unfortunately, our country has disreputable people making these attempts. We must say “no” together to these provocateurs. The people of the North Caucasus are the first ones to suffer from terrorism. It is where the fight with this international evil takes place. It is where ordinary people, law enforcers fighting terrorists, bandits killing people, face each other. I want people to never distinguish one another by nationality and religion.”
Christina Volkova, head of the section for youth affairs of the Moscow Center for Nationalities, expressed confidence that “not a single idea or ideology justifies the murders of innocent people, especially children. As far as I remember, there were about 180 people. Do you understand how horrifying it is? It is up to us to prevent such tragedies. It is up to every one of us. We should not blame the government, authorities or any other people”.
