Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reacts to Vladimir Zhirinovsky's statements

"I would not like to comment on yet another escapade by such odious figures as Mr. Zhirinovsky, especially because the statements regarding the situation around the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh are not the first opus by Zhirinovsky on the issues involved," Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Elkhan Polukhov said commenting on an interview Russian State Duma's (parliament) Vice Speaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky gave to Novosti-Armenia news agency, where he raised several issues, including Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"However, given the fact that the statement on the opinion page of the news agency was announced not by an ordinary member of the State Duma, but Vice Speaker who in accordance with his office, participates almost in all political consultations at various levels in Russia and, thus, has opportunity to influence decision-making on various issues of national importance, it is not possible to ignore such a provocative statement which is contrary to the spirit of relations between our countries," Polukhov said.

"Mr Zhirinovsky, by his statements claiming that the Karabakh belongs to Armenia, demonstrates direct support to ethnic separatism. Statements by political figures such as Vladimir Zhirinovsky in support of the separatist contradicts the level of relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, as well as spirit of the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Security between Russia and the Republic of Azerbaijan on July 3, 1997 and subsequent joint declarations at the highest level."

"It will be noted, that in accordance with these documents the parties undertook to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other and oppose the manifestation of separatism against them. By such statements Mr. Zhirinovsky justifies manifestations of separatism which are condemned by the entire international community forgetting that this negative phenomenon is by no means a unique phenomenon of contemporary world political system," he added.

"I want to remind to Vladimir Zhirinovsky that Russia is one of three co-chairs of OSCE Minsk Group, engaged in resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and his statements harm image of his country as an impartial mediator, and the relations of friendship and good neighborly relations established between Russia and Azerbaijan. It should be noted that in November last year, the Presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed the Moscow declaration reflecting the parties' commitment to resolving the conflict “based on the principles and norms of international law and decisions and documents adopted in this framework” and the position of the Vice Speaker of State Duma does not correspond to the declaration," he said.

Day.Az