The Azerbaijan Council of Elders has issued a statement regarding the attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran using unmanned aerial vehicles on the territory of Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
According to Modern.az, the statement reads:
"The attacks carried out on March 5 by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran using unmanned aerial vehicles against the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan – particularly against Nakhchivan International Airport, a secondary school, and other civilian infrastructure – have caused serious concern and deep indignation among the members of the Azerbaijan Council of Elders, as well as the entire Azerbaijani public. This incident is an extremely dangerous and unacceptable step that openly contradicts the norms of international law, the principle of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as well as the fundamental rules of interstate relations.
The Azerbaijan Council of Elders strongly condemns this treacherous act of aggression and assesses it as another provocation directed against the independent Azerbaijani state. Targeting civilian objects – an international airport, educational institutions, and other civilian infrastructure – is an act of terrorism and an unforgivable crime against our state, as well as against humanity and the principles of international law. We note with regret that this incident is not the first hostile act by Iran against Azerbaijan. We all well remember that a while ago, as a result of a terrorist act committed against the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran, an embassy employee was killed, and another employee was seriously injured. Such incidents deal a devastating blow to peace, mutual trust, and the healthy development of interstate relations in the region.
The Azerbaijan Council of Elders declares that the Azerbaijani state has always remained committed to the principle of establishing friendly relations with neighboring countries and cooperating in an environment of mutual respect and trust. The policy pursued by our state has served to strengthen stability, ensure security, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in the region. Azerbaijan has never allowed its territory to be used against other states and will not do so in the future.
Furthermore, the Azerbaijan Council of Elders states that the independent Azerbaijani state is resolute in ensuring its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the security of its citizens. The Azerbaijani people, as throughout history, are capable of demonstrating an unwavering will against any threat by uniting closely around their state today. We fully support the resolute stance of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Mr. Ilham Aliyev, on this issue, and we highly appreciate all political, diplomatic, and legal steps taken by our state. We have full confidence in the measures taken by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and state security structures to protect our country's security.
The Azerbaijan Council of Elders calls on the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately identify and bring to justice those responsible for this act of aggression, to provide an official explanation to the Azerbaijani state, and to apologize. At the same time, the biased propaganda campaign and all provocative attempts against our country must be unequivocally stopped. We are confident that the Azerbaijani people, relying on the strength of their state, national unity, and determination, will overcome all difficulties, and the security and national interests of our country will continue to be reliably protected. The Azerbaijan Council of Elders once again declares its unwavering support for our people and state in protecting our country's independence, sovereignty, and statehood."
