Azerbaijan demands Russia clarify remarks on late President Heydar Aliyev

Azerbaijan has summoned Russia to provide clarification regarding comments made by a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman about the country's late President Heydar Aliyev, describing the remarks as unacceptable and demanding diplomatic accountability.

Disrespect alleged

In a statement Monday, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Aykhan Hajizada condemned comments made by Russian spokeswoman Maria Zakharova during last week's press briefing. Zakharova had responded sarcastically to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's recent remarks to the European Parliament, in which Pashinyan suggested some Azerbaijani religious leaders were KGB agents. Zakharova quipped whether Pashinyan was actually referring to Heydar Aliyev—the father of Azerbaijan's current president and a revered national figure.

Diplomatic standards questioned

"Referring to the name of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in such a way constitutes a lack of respect toward his legacy and the people of Azerbaijan. This does not meet the standards expected from an official representative," Hajizada said. He emphasized that "diplomacy requires discipline, accuracy, and responsibility—not inappropriate remarks that inflame tensions and undermine credibility."

Clarification sought

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry formally requested clarification from the Russian side regarding the statement, signaling that the incident could strain bilateral relations if not addressed. The rebuke comes as Moscow and Baku maintain strategic ties, with Russia serving as a key mediator in regional conflicts. The demand for accountability reflects Baku's sensitivity over the legacy of Heydar Aliyev, who led Azerbaijan for over three decades and is widely regarded as the architect of modern Azerbaijani statehood.