Hajiyev's Interview on Russia Distorted by Azerbaijani Media

Official sources in Baku are sounding the alarm: a case of information manipulation and distortion has been recorded. The issue concerns an interview given by the assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Hikmet Hajiyev, to the publication EU Today, the content of which local sources presented with significant cuts, changing the meaning of what was said.

In the actual interview, Hajiyev discussed Russian-Azerbaijani relations in connection with the recent incident of an Azerbaijani civilian aircraft being shot down by Russia. He admitted that immediately after the incident there was "some misunderstanding" and "emotions," but noted that Baku's concerns were discussed in Dushanbe. The official formulated the four elements that Azerbaijan seeks to obtain from Moscow: an official apology, a full investigation, justice for the perpetrators, and compensation.

Hajiyev emphasized a specific precondition: "As soon as these issues are resolved, we will turn the page of misunderstanding and continue normal good-neighborly relations between the two countries."

However, Azerbaijani resources, reprinting the material, removed the phrase "As soon as these issues are resolved" from the text. As a result, the meaning was completely changed. An impression is created that the parties have already "turned the page of misunderstanding" and smoothed over the problems. Whereas, according to the original text, Hajiyev states that these issues have not yet been resolved.