Azerbaijani FM criticises Western support for separatist, calls out double standards

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has expressed concerns over the issuance of a ten-year visa to David Babayan, Armenian separatist currently facing trial in Azerbaijan.

During a press conference on the 2025 outcomes on December 26, Bayramov questioned why Western countries would grant such a visa to someone linked to an unrecognised separatist institution, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

Bayramov further criticised Western double standards in their support for separatists, noting that they are now aware of the mistakes they have made. He added that Azerbaijan is always ready for open dialogue and strives for it.

The minister also noted that Western powers, which often lecture other nations on human rights, should first evaluate their own internal practices. In his comments, he cited the United States' criticism of European nations regarding human rights issues as an example of the need for self-reflection before offering advice to other countries.

Bayramov reiterated that Azerbaijan has no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of other nations, and remains open to dialogue on all issues. He emphasised that Azerbaijan could serve as an example for the global community on combating anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and called on countries with their own serious domestic issues to refrain from intervening in Azerbaijan's internal matters.

By Sabina Mammadli