Baku not satisfied with London's reaction to attack on Azerbaijani Embassy

Baku/16.08.22/Turan: British Minister for European Affairs Graham Stewart condemned the attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in London on August 4.

The day before, after a meeting with Azerbaijani Ambassador Elin Suleymanov, he said:

"After the serious security incident that occurred on August 4 involving the Azerbaijani Embassy in London, I spoke with Ambassador Elin Suleymanov today.

I emphasized the importance that the UK attaches to the security of diplomatic representations and expressed my deep regret about what happened.

He added that Britain has a tradition of supporting freedom of expression, but that this must be in the form of peaceful and lawful demonstrations.

Commenting on Stewart's statement, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Leyla Abdullaeva recalled that the attack on the Embassy by members of a radical religious group was a provocation. This is a serious signal on the issue of security of the diplomatic mission.

"The security of diplomatic missions and diplomats themselves must be ensured by the host country in accordance with international obligations. Therefore, it is important that the British Minister consider the security of diplomatic personnel a priority.

As for Stewart's reference to "freedom of expression", it has nothing to do with the attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy. 

Mentioning the illegal actions of a radical religious group in the context of "freedom" could create serious problems for the security of Britain itself, which is considered an "ancient Western democracy." Such actions are not compatible with the principles of a free society.

Baku expects a detailed investigation into the provocation against the Azerbaijani Embassy in London and bringing to justice all those involved in the attack on the diplomatic mission," Abdullayeva said.

 * On August 4, an extremist group "Mehdi servants' union" briefly seized the Azerbaijani Embassy, tearing the country's flag from the balcony of the diplomatic mission. A pogrom was carried out inside the premises.

Police vacated the building and detained eight of the rioters. -06В-