Is Iranian consulate creating a monopoly in issuing tourism visas to citizens of Azerbaijan in Baku?

Day.Az reports with reference to diplomatic sources that on March 29 of 2008 the consulate ceased issuance of visas by tourist companies.

According to new rules, each citizen, willing to visit Iran, should appeal to the consulate of this country to Baku in the individual manner.

This fact made hundreds of people gather in front of the consulate and caused resentment of the Azerbaijani citizens, willing to visit Iran.

Let's admit that the step of the consulate of the country, which speaks about the values of Islam and states the need for Islamic solidarity, seems too strange. It is unclear how the consulate can toughen rules for the citizens of Azerbaijan, the country, which despite the constructive cooperation with the Western countries, including the United States, Euroatlantic structures and NATO, stated in open that it will not allow intervention to the neighbor country from its territory and will not provide its infrastructure for it.

One more moment is strange in this issue. The Iranian consulate has created a monopoly for issuance of visas for separate companies and private persons. Thus, the consulate permitted the mediatory activity of the Turbat tourism company and Baku resident Rashad, who works in the office at 6. Jafar Jabarrli street. It should be noted that he is an official of the company, arranging tours to Iran.

Notably, the aforementioned tourism company and the Baku resident are famous for their open pro-Iranian position. In particular, it is known that Rashad obtained religious education in the Iranian city of Gum within 14 years.

As is reported, Turbat company is headed by brother of famous chairman of the Islamic Party of Azerbaijan Hajiagha Nuriyev-Aghakerim Nuriyev. It should be reminded that in 1996 Nuriyev was sentenced under article "High treason"of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan and was pardoned in 1999.

The motivation of the consulate, which deliberately toughened the process of visa issuance, is unclear, though, perhaps, the mechanism of sifting undesirable visitors to Iran is thus facilitated.

/Day.Az/