Azerbaijan calls on Russia to clarify remarks by FM spokesperson

Azerbaijan has criticised comments made by Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, describing them as “unacceptable” and lacking professionalism.

In a statement issued on March 23, foreign ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada said remarks made during Zakharova’s latest press briefing improperly referenced Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s former president and national leader.

According to the Azerbaijani foreign ministry, Zakharova mentioned Aliyev while responding to a question about comments by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan concerning members of the clergy. Baku said the reference was unrelated to the topic under discussion.

Hajizada said invoking Aliyev’s name in such a context demonstrated “a lack of respect” towards his legacy and the people of Azerbaijan. He added that the statement fell short of the standards expected from an official representative.

“Diplomacy requires discipline, accuracy and responsibility—not inappropriate remarks that inflame tensions and undermine credibility,” the statement said.

The Azerbaijani side also called on Russia to provide clarification regarding the comments.

By Aghakazim Guliyev