The insulting and threatening remarks made recently against Azerbaijan, the country's state policy, and its leadership in some Russian media outlets and public platforms have once again brought discussions about relations between the two countries to the agenda. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan stated that such statements are unacceptable and protested against the increase in anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric in the Russian information space.
Speaking to Modern.az on the matter, Elshad Musayev, a member of the Azerbaijan-Russia Interparliamentary Working Group of the Milli Majlis and chairman of the Great Azerbaijan Party, stated that Azerbaijan's independent policy and its position in the region concern certain circles in Russia:
"Azerbaijan is currently pursuing an independent policy and is a leader in the region. Our international relations are quite strong. This does not suit Russia. Therefore, the Russian government wants to put pressure on Azerbaijan in various ways. Part of such a policy of influence consists of the dirty policy of its media outlets. The views expressed against Azerbaijan in some media platforms are unacceptable. Besides Solovyov, Zatulin, and others, now empty people sit on the 'Chisto Panyimaniya' program and talk nonsense. The Azerbaijani society should also have its reaction to this. As a parliamentarian and also a party chairman, I have protested and raised my voice against Russia's dirty policy against Azerbaijan. I believe that everyone should have a position on this issue."
According to Elshad Musayev, Russia's information policy against Azerbaijan can negatively affect relations between the two countries:
"Russia has agents of influence and spy networks in Azerbaijan. But we are also now capable of responding to Russia. I believe that this policy pursued by Russia leads to the deterioration of relations between the two countries. In fact, the policy of the Russian government, based on hysterical imperial ambitions, has no benefit for themselves. Finally, Russia must understand that we are in the 21st century and try to coexist peacefully with its neighbors. The Russian people should not be deceived by imperial ambitions. I condemn Russia's dirty policy against Azerbaijan."
Rasim Musabayov, another member of the Azerbaijan-Russia Interparliamentary Working Group of the Milli Majlis, said that it is regrettable that the information war against Azerbaijan continues in Russia:
"Unfortunately, the information war against Azerbaijan continues in Russia. The crossing of the line by these people is no longer propaganda, but concrete calls. This contradicts the Declaration on Alliance between Azerbaijan and Russia. Article 11 of the Declaration specifically states that the parties condemn and do not allow any activity against each other's territorial integrity, borders, and internal structure."
The deputy noted that certain calls made in Russia by some members of the State Duma, as well as on state-affiliated television channels, already carry a character that could lead to legal responsibility:
"Members of the Russian State Duma, as well as state channels, make calls that are specifically criminal in nature. Therefore, the Prosecutor's Office has opened a case. Azerbaijan rightfully closes such propaganda opportunities in its territory and expresses our protests. It would be very good if they understood now. On the contrary, if they do not understand and want to build relations in this way, the result will be like this."
Rasim Musabayov emphasized that Azerbaijan will not leave negative steps directed against the country unanswered:
"Azerbaijan has not left anyone's negative attitude towards us unanswered. If some people in Moscow do not understand this now, they will understand when they see the answers. Russia also shot down our plane, and they started a dirty propaganda campaign. The Azerbaijani diaspora is being persecuted there. They think that as a result, they will subjugate Azerbaijan. They are simply making themselves look ridiculous. Azerbaijan is capable of standing against various pressures and protecting its national interests. Azerbaijan has withstood even greater pressures. Our state has always been and will be capable of protecting its rights and morality. Therefore, whatever they do, they will receive a double response."
