Georgian, Kurdish, Khinalug, Bulgarian, Russian and Ukrainian etc.). Overall more than 40 newspapers and magazines in Russian are published in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Department for reporting on the ethno-cultural life of national minorities was created on the Community TV-channel. At the same time media coverage of the culture, ethnography, customs and the way of life of minorities in Azerbaijan is ensured by TV, radio channels, and mass media. Coordination Committee of national minorities functions under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Since 2006 traditional music festivals devoted to arts of national minorities and various exhibitions showing minorities’ ethno-cultural life are organized every two years. Russian, Lezghin, and Georgian state drama theatres function in the Republic of Azerbaijan and are financed from the state budget. In addition, national theatres and folklore bands are set up. Special department for studying language, culture, history, and ethnography of the national minorities was created within the Azerbaijan Academy of Science. This department prepared and published books about the ethnography and culture of Talishi, Udis, Germans, Russians, Jews, Lezghins, Khinalugs, Tat people and other nationalities. Moreover, collections of poems and folklore are published in the languages of the smaller peoples. During centuries all religions co-existed in peace and mutual understanding in Azerbaijan where ethnical and religious tolerance reigned. Today Azerbaijan adheres to its national and historical traditions. Favourable conditions for ensuring the freedom of conscience and religion are created in the Republic. State constantly directs financial and material support to the religions communities. In 2011, 400 thousand euro was allocated from the state budget to 18 religious communities of national minorities for the support of their activity. A Catholic church and two new synagogues were recently build in the capital in addition to many restored and renovated churches and synagogues of the Russian, Georgian, German, Udis and Jewish communities in the capital and regions. To conclude I would like to stress that norms and principles of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities are implemented in the Republic of Azerbaijan in accordance with this document. Tolerance is a historical heritage of Azerbaijan and can serve as an example for democratic societies. The government is determined to continue this policy in future as it develops even further the equality of all citizens regardless of their nationality, language and religion. I thank you for your attention.