On March 5, a meeting of the Security Council was held under the chairmanship of President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Modern.az reports that the head of our state delivered a speech at the event.
Speech by President Ilham Aliyev:
- Today, a terrorist act was committed by Iran against the territory of Azerbaijan, against the Azerbaijani state. The Iranian state subjected the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to fire with unmanned aerial vehicles. The targets of the fire were civilian objects. Nakhchivan International Airport, its terminal building, a school, and other directions were subjected to treacherous fire by Iran. The Azerbaijani state strongly condemns this heinous act of terror; those who committed it must be immediately brought to justice. An explanation must be provided by Iranian officials to the Azerbaijani side, an apology must be made, and those who committed this terrorist act must be held criminally responsible.
This is not the first time that the Iranian state has carried out terrorist acts against Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis. We all remember well that some time ago, the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran was subjected to a terrorist act. An individual instructed by Iranian special services attacked the embassy and committed a bloody terrorist act against Azerbaijani citizens. As a result, one citizen was killed, and another was seriously wounded. I must also state that an unarmed representative of Azerbaijan's special services neutralized the terrorist, who was armed with a Kalashnikov automatic rifle, a Molotov cocktail, and an axe. Even then, we had no doubt that the Iranian state was behind this. Because this terrorist act continued for approximately 40 minutes, both inside and around the embassy. During these 40 minutes, not a single security or police representative approached the embassy. It was clear that this terrorist act was ordered from the highest levels of Iranian state institutions to intimidate Azerbaijan and carry out its heinous actions against Azerbaijan. As you know, at that time, Azerbaijan reacted very harshly to this incident; the Azerbaijani embassy was evacuated from Iran, and all diplomatic relations were suspended. The Iranian side was forced to apologize to us and admit its guilt. The perpetrator of that terrorist act was given the most severe punishment at our insistence. Even the Iranian state, which for a long time showed no interest in carrying out this punishment and even tried to save the criminal, was forced to execute the terrorist in front of Azerbaijani representatives. This time, the response will be the same. We will not tolerate this baseless act of terror and aggression committed against Azerbaijan. Our Armed Forces have been instructed to prepare and implement retaliatory measures.
It has been repeatedly stated to the Iranian side, especially after the clashes last year, that the territory of Azerbaijan will not be used against any neighboring state. We will not allow this, just as we have never allowed it until today. It is true that in the summer months of last year and the period thereafter, baseless accusations were leveled against us from Iran. Media resources controlled by Iranian state institutions conducted a vile, slanderous, and defamatory campaign against Azerbaijan to tarnish Azerbaijan and change the minds of our compatriots living in Iran. Because they know well that today the independent Azerbaijani state is also a source of hope for many Azerbaijanis living in Iran. That is, to tarnish us, to slander us, to discredit us before the Iranian public served this purpose. Because there was no basis for it. Azerbaijan neither then nor this time participates and will not participate in operations against Iran. Because this is our position. We have neither an interest nor a policy that allows us to conduct any operations against neighboring countries. We protect and have protected our territorial integrity. Just as we put an end to the Armenian occupation, we are ready to show our strength against any evil force, and Iran should not forget this. This act of terror committed by them, along with all other heinous factors, is an example of great ingratitude. As soon as the recent events occurred, we sent them a message and offered our condolences. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, at my instruction, spoke with his counterpart. I expressed my intention to visit their embassy to offer condolences. However, no other head of state besides me has visited any Iranian embassy. That is, not appreciating this, dismissing it, and behaving like despicable, ungrateful people brings honor to no one. These dishonorable individuals, those who committed this act of terror against us, will regret it. They should not test our strength. The heads of those who wanted to test our strength were split open by the “Iron Fist”. Today's incident will yield the same result. Therefore, an action plan regarding this issue must be prepared. All instructions have been given. Iran's ambassador to Azerbaijan was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a note of protest will be issued, and other diplomatic steps will be taken. Relevant instructions regarding the borders were given.
I must also state that this morning I was informed that Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister called Baku, requesting Azerbaijan's assistance in evacuating the remaining staff of the Iranian embassy in Lebanon. Because they lack the means. I was briefed. I immediately gave instructions to provide assistance, to send a plane. They even said they were ready to pay for it. I said it was not necessary; if we don't provide help in their time of need, then when should we? In return for all this, to strike Nakhchivan in such a vile, treacherous, and unmanly manner?! This stain will never be erased from their ugly and hideous face. Therefore, all necessary measures will be taken through diplomatic channels. Our Armed Forces – the Ministry of Defense, the State Border Service, and all other Special Purpose Forces – have been brought to a state of number one mobilization and must be ready to carry out any operation. That is all for now.
We will inform the Azerbaijani people about the course of events. The statement of the Ministry of Defense has already been published in the press. The Azerbaijani people should be assured that any evil force will face our “Iron Fist”.
