Azerbaijani MFA: Closure of embassies is not a matter of discussion

Baku. 5 January. REPORT.AZ/ A list of the diplomatic missions to be allegedly closed, which was spread by the Internet media and some blogs, is beyond objectivity and unfounded. 

This was said by Hikmat Hajiyev, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MFA) in respond to the inquire of Report News Agency.

"A list of the diplomatic missions to be allegedly closed, which was spread by the Internet media and some blogs, is beyond objectivity and unfounded. Closure of embassies is not a matter of discussion," he stated. "The spread of such unverified information may spoil the diplomatic relations with other countries that Azerbaijan has been building for years."

He said the final decision on the issue had not yet been made. "Making decisions on this kind of issues requires serious and thorough consideration, including the mutuality in diplomatic relations and political approaches. This issue is now being seriously considered by the government."

However, Hajiyev said, it is not directly about the closure of embassies. "What is being considered is how to adjust the activities of the diplomatic missions in accordance with the reality and make some cuts in the number of personnel with the aim of cutting down on expenses and rationalizing the work." "As far as the honorary consulates are concerned, it is ridiculous. Everybody, who is aware of foreign policy and diplomacy, knows that honorary consulates pay their expenses themselves, and no government funding is allocated for their maintenance," Hajiyev added.