Azerbaijan sets an example through its tolerance and attitude toward other religions, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, has said.

Axar.az reports that Pashazade made the remarks in an interview with Real TV, warning that certain forces were seeking to draw Azerbaijan into confrontations with other countries.

"Azerbaijan is an example of tolerance and respect for other religions. There are forces seeking to drag us into confrontation with certain countries, and this is unacceptable,” he said.

He added that current developments were primarily the result of external influences directed against the Azerbaijani state.

“Their goal is not Islam or the Muslim faith. It is wrong for them to try to guide us Muslims today. Calls to incite unrest and urge students not to attend school are a grave sin,” Pashazade said.