Russian Ambassador summoned to Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry

According to a statement from the Ministry, Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov conveyed Azerbaijan's serious concerns regarding Russia's unfriendly steps and actions to Ambassador Yevdokimov, who was summoned to the Ministry.

During the meeting, the issue of the raids conducted on June 27 in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on homes where Azerbaijanis reside, which resulted in the deaths of two people and left others severely injured, was brought to the agenda.

The Azerbaijani side stated that the explanation provided by Russian authorities regarding the incident contradicts the signs of violence on the bodies of the deceased and the forensic medical reports.

The Azerbaijani side expressed its expectation that a comprehensive and impartial investigation be conducted into the unlawful practices of Russian law enforcement agencies, that those responsible be punished, and that this process be carried out transparently. In this context, it was stated that interpreting Azerbaijan's position as interference in Russia's internal affairs is unfounded.

During the meeting, it was also reported that the Russian side's criticisms regarding the actions taken against the Baku office of the Russian news agency Sputnik were unjustified. It was conveyed that the measures in question were implemented in accordance with Azerbaijani laws and that the process is still in the investigation stage.

Another issue negatively affecting relations between the parties, the shooting down of an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft in Russian airspace at the end of last year and the subsequent failure to take sufficient measures, was also brought up. Azerbaijan expressed its reaction against the distortion of the incident and the disinformation campaigns conducted through certain official figures in the Russian media.

The Baku administration demanded that Russia take full, transparent, and effective steps regarding the downed Azerbaijani aircraft, bring those responsible to justice, and pay compensation to the victims in order to clear the current negative atmosphere in relations.

Finally, it was emphasized that statements made by certain political figures and media organizations in Russia over the last 4–5 months targeting Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity have also damaged relations between the two countries.

Azerbaijan called on Russia to take the necessary steps to resolve the tension in bilateral relations.

News Source: 12punto