Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the downed passenger plane had been struck while in Russian airspace and became uncontrollable due to interference from radio-electronic devices. “No one could have imagined that a country we consider a friend would fire at our plane,” Aliyev said. “Russia must compensate the Azerbaijani state, as well as the injured passengers and crew.”
Aliyev made these remarks to Azerbaijan State Television following a ceremony held for the two pilots and one cabin crew member who lost their lives in the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) passenger plane near Aktau, Kazakhstan. He reported that the Azerbaijani civilian passenger plane had been “hit near the city of Grozny in Russian airspace,” adding that “radio-electronic interference made the aircraft uncontrollable, and its tail section suffered significant damage from ground fire.”
“No one could have imagined that a country we consider a friend would fire at our plane.”
Recalling that bird strike was initially suggested as the possible cause of the crash, Aliyev said, “Perhaps the pilot thought the impact was due to a bird strike when the plane was hit because no one would expect a country we consider a friend to fire at our plane. Unfortunately, some circles in Russia focused on this bird strike possibility. What upset and surprised us further were the claims by Russian authorities that a gas cylinder explosion occurred on the plane. This clearly indicated an attempt by the Russian side to cover up the matter. Of course, our plane was downed accidentally. This is not an intentional act of terrorism. However, acknowledging fault, apologizing to Azerbaijan—a friendly country—and making the incident public were necessary steps. Unfortunately, for the first three days, we heard nothing but baseless speculation from Russia.”
“The incident was covered up.”
Aliyev expressed confidence that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, adding, “Russia proposed that the Interstate Aviation Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States investigate the matter. We categorically rejected this. The reason is obvious: it is no secret that this organization is predominantly composed of Russian officials, and its leadership consists of Russian citizens. Had Russia taken fair and adequate steps immediately after the crash, perhaps we wouldn’t have objected, but it was clear that the issue was being covered up.”
“We have conditions!”
Regarding Azerbaijan’s expectations from Russia, Aliyev stated:
“We have clearly communicated our demands to the Russian side and officially conveyed them. First, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan. Second, it must admit its fault. Third, those responsible must be punished and held criminally accountable. Additionally, compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state and to the injured passengers and crew. These are our conditions. The first condition was already met yesterday. I hope our other conditions will also be fulfilled. All these demands are fair. There is nothing extraordinary or problematic about them, as they are based on international norms and normal human conduct. I hope our conditions will be accepted.”
