Response to provocations by the mullah regime accused of shedding blood in South Azerbaijan – Statement

“We must stand united against provocations directed at our national interests, public stability and regional peace!”

TodayPress TV reports that the statement was issued by Vugar Gadirov, chairman of the Aydinlar Ocağı Humanitarian Public Union.

The statement reads:

“Recent developments in the region and in our country, as well as events affecting our national interests, state sovereignty and public stability, call on each of us to demonstrate greater vigilance and take a principled stand.

“The Iranian mullah regime’s attitude towards the right of millions of our compatriots living in South Azerbaijan to receive education in their mother tongue, as well as provocative demonstrations held outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London, are cause for concern. It is unacceptable for political circles that fail to ensure the national and linguistic rights of Azerbaijanis in their own country to attempt to exploit religious and other sensitive issues in Azerbaijan to provoke public confrontation.

“Azerbaijan-Türkiye brotherhood must not become a target of foreign political interests or information manipulation. Preserving the unbreakable ties between the two states is an important guarantee of our shared national interests.

“Meanwhile, delays in the peace process under the influence of revanchist forces in Armenia, the failure to remove territorial claims against Azerbaijan through legal means, and the postponement of the signing of a peace agreement remain serious threats to the region’s future. Lasting peace requires mutual respect, recognition of territorial integrity and genuine political will.

“Within the country, tensions surrounding religious sensitivities in secondary schools, the hijab issue becoming a source of public confrontation, growing aggression among students and, in particular, incidents of physical violence against journalists are matters of serious concern. Educational institutions should be places where sound judgement, national and moral values, and tolerance are fostered, not confrontation. Pressure and violence against journalists for carrying out their professional duties are unacceptable violations of freedom of speech and expression.

“As the Aydinlar Ocağı Humanitarian Public Union, we call on all parties to place our national interests above personal and political ambitions, refrain from exploiting religious and national sensitivities, and help preserve a healthy public environment in society.

“We believe that Azerbaijan’s strength lies in its national unity, loyalty to statehood, brotherhood with Türkiye, and principled commitment to ensuring a just and lasting peace in the region.

“Safeguarding our statehood, preserving national unity and acting responsibly towards our future are the civic duties of every one of us!”