Parliamentarian: “All kinds of conditions have been created for Armenians in Iran, while Azerbaijanis are oppressed”

26.08.2022 17:00

"Azerbaijan has always been interested in maintaining relations with Iran and made continuous efforts to develop relations. But Iran demonstrated a hypocritical policy towards Azerbaijan during both the First and the Second Karabakh wars. However, Azerbaijan again tried to establish sincere and friendly relations with Iran," member of Milli Majlis (Parliament), Jeyhun Mammadov said.

"Even after the Patriotic War, during the visit to Jabrayil, President Ilham Aliyev pointed to the Khodaafarin Bridge and said that this bridge is a bridge of friendship and brotherhood. However, in addition to arming Yerevan before the war, Tehran made various statements about the activation of the Zangezur corridor in the later period. Of course, we do not accept Iran's hypocritical policy. Iran should stop such approaches."

Mammadov stressed that Iran was not interested in ensuring stability in the region and resolving the former Karabakh conflict:

"Tehran is worried about Baku becoming stronger. The victory of Azerbaijan seriously worries several countries, including Iran. Despite stating that it is with the Muslims, Iran does not consider us its religious brothers because it supports Armenia. It is against Islamic principles and is not accepted. Azerbaijan has repeatedly expressed its position on this issue."
The MP recalled that until the Pahlavi dynasty, Azerbaijanis were in power in Iran:

"For a long time, Azerbaijanis actively participated in governing Iran and strengthening the statehood. But today, Iran ignores our efforts, oppresses Azerbaijanis, and restricts their rights. Of course, this is not understandable. However, all conditions have been created for the Armenians living there. Schools, churches, and public organizations operate freely. On the other hand, Iran prevents Azerbaijanis there from studying in their native language. But, as I said, the attitude towards Armenians is not like that. Violation of the rights of Azerbaijanis living there is against international law. This attitude seriously worries us. Iran should end this policy."