MFA: Russia's unfriendly actions damage relations with Azerbaijan

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Azerbaijan, Mikhail Yevdokimov, has been summoned to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Report informs, citing the ministry.

During the meeting with Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov, protests regarding the Russian side's unfriendly actions and steps that damage relations between the two countries were brought to the attention of the counterpart.

"Deep concern was once again expressed regarding the death of two of our compatriots and the serious injury of others as a result of illegal actions during raids carried out by Russian law enforcement agencies on homes of Azerbaijanis in the city of Yekaterinburg on June 27.

It was noted that Russia's explanation of the incident contradicts the signs of severe violence on the bodies of our deceased compatriots and the forensic report. It was emphasized that manifestations of ethnic intolerance were observed in the Russian media regarding the raids, and the use of terms like ethnic criminal group in relation to Azerbaijanis is unacceptable," the ministry said.

It was also reiterated that Azerbaijan expects a comprehensive and objective investigation by the Russian side regarding the violations committed by Russian law enforcement agencies and that those responsible will be punished:

"In this regard, it was noted that portraying Azerbaijan's position as interference in Russia's internal affairs is groundless."

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani side stated that Russia's objections regarding the measures implemented at the Sputnik-Azerbaijan office were unfounded:

"It was noted that the measures taken against Sputnik-Azerbaijan were carried out in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and investigation procedures are currently ongoing."

During the meeting, it was stated that the failure to take necessary measures after an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft was shot down in Russian airspace since the end of last year, attempts to distort the real situation, as well as the disinformation campaign against our country through various officials and media representatives in Russian media, which negatively affect relations, are unacceptable:

"It was emphasized that our country expects a full and transparent investigation by the Russian side regarding this disaster, identification and prosecution of those responsible, compensation for victims, and that these steps are of great importance for eliminating the negative atmosphere in bilateral relations."

The meeting also noted that statements and speeches against Azerbaijan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the Azerbaijani people by Russian socio-political representatives and media organizations over the past 4-5 months are among the factors negatively affecting bilateral relations:

"Thus, it was brought to the ambassador's attention that the above-mentioned actions of the Russian Federation contradict the spirit of friendship and mutual respect between the two countries, cause additional tension, and negatively impact bilateral relations.

The Russian side was called upon to take appropriate measures to eliminate tension and negative atmosphere in bilateral relations between our countries."