Jamil Hasanly: the closure of the Norwegian Embassy will have a negative impact on the image of Baku

Baku/14.11.18/Turan: The reason for the closure of the Norwegian embassy in Baku is explained in a statement by the foreign minister of this country. To this we can add that such things happen when the political and economic relations of the two states are in an abnormal state, said in an interview with Voice of America by the chairman of the National Council of Democratic Forces of Azerbaijan, Professor Jamil Hasanli. It should be noted that Norway is one of the most free, prosperous and democratic countries in Europe. Therefore, the departure of Norway from here is also an indicator of not accepting the current political regime in Azerbaijan, Hasanli said. Asked what the consequences would be for Azerbaijan from such a step, Hasanly said that other countries could follow Norway.

However, official Baku stated that he did not regret on this issue, and a day later the head of state recalled the ambassador of Azerbaijan from Sweden, Norway and Finland.

To this, Hasanly said that this could lead to a crisis in Baku"s relations with the Scandinavian countries. At the same time, he noted the difference in the estimates of the Foreign Ministry and the Presidential Administration regarding the closure of the Norwegian embassy in Baku.

Apparently, the country's leadership took the decision of Oslo very painfully, recalling even the name of former ambassador Steinar Gil, who had long since left Azerbaijan. This man had great merits in protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens in support of democratic processes and the development of civil society. He should be thanked for all this, but not blamed, Hasanly said.

"Such steps by the authorities, aimed at shutting up the diplomatic corps, do not promise anything good, and can only scare away more from Azerbaijan," concluded Jamil Hasanli. -16B-