Protest action against Israeli offensive in Gaza begins in Nardaran - UPDATED

18:25

A protest action against the Israel’s military operations in Gaza Strip was held on Friday in the Imam Hussein Square of Nardaran Village of Baku.

APA correspondent reports from Nardaran that resident of Nardaran, former chairman of the Islamic party Haji Hajiaga Nuri, who led the protest action, said sabotage and slanders were published in Azerbaijani press against Nardaran recently. He said it was done purposely. “Those, who are doing that, are working for Jews. They tried to put Nardaran face to face with intellectuals, lawmakers and government of Azerbaijan. Even some newspapers related the protest actions in Nardaran with Sheikh-al-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh. We are protesting against it and all slanders about us. A referendum and municipal elections will take place in Azerbaijan. Nardaran residents will also vote freely”.

One of the villagers Mashadi Mehman Mammadov said his words at the meeting on January 9 about the military service in Azerbaijan were misunderstood. “We are ready to defend Azerbaijan”.

The protesters adopted resolution expressing their solidarity with the Palestinians and addressing demands to the Azerbaijani government about Israel. The residents of Nardaran demanded Azerbaijani government to cut all relations with Israel, including military ties and to boycott products of joint enterprises with that country.

The protesters also burned US and Israel’s flags and effigies of US President George Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, chanting “Death to US and Israel”, “We are with Gaza”, “US terrorizes the world Muslims”.

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15:51

The protesters chanted slogans "We share the grief of Gaza!", "Death to America and Israel!", "US hates the world Muslims!".

Nardaran resident, former Chairman of Islamic Party Haji Hajiaga Nuri addressing the action said that Azerbaijan should cut all political and economic, military relations with Israel, including oil transport to this country.

Nardaran resident Haji Ali Husseinov stressed that Azerbaijanis should support Palestinians.

The protest action demanded treatment of underage children, who were injured during military operations in Gaza, in Azerbaijan.

/APA/