Azerbaijan Condemns Burning of Turkish Flags in Yerevan
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BAKU, April 24 (AP) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan on Friday condemned the burning of Turkish flags during a torchlight procession in Yerevan, describing the act as a manifestation of ethnic hatred and a revanchist mindset.
The incident occurred in the Armenian capital on Friday afternoon, drawing immediate diplomatic criticism from Baku. The ministry stated in a formal statement that the destruction of the national symbols of Turkey, a close ally of Azerbaijan, was unacceptable and reflected a dangerous political atmosphere in the region.
"Such actions are a clear demonstration of ethnic hatred and a revanchist mindset," the ministry said. "We firmly believe that such provocative acts will not go unnoticed and will be met with a strong response from the international community."
The torchlight procession in Yerevan was part of a broader series of events marking the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which has historically been a sensitive topic in regional diplomacy. While the specific details of the flag-burning incident remain under review, the act has heightened tensions between the two nations, which have been engaged in a prolonged conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Azerbaijan and Armenia have maintained a tense relationship since the end of the First Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1994. Although a ceasefire was signed in 2020 following a brief but intense conflict, sporadic skirmishes and diplomatic disputes continue to flare up. The burning of Turkish flags in Yerevan adds another layer of complexity to an already fragile situation.
Turkey, which shares a border with Azerbaijan and has historically supported its ally in the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute, has also expressed concern over the incident. Turkish officials have called for restraint and urged all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions further.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, local media reports suggest that the flag-burning was carried out by a small group of protesters during the procession. The Armenian government has previously emphasized its commitment to peace and stability in the region, but the incident has raised questions about the level of control over public demonstrations.
Regional observers warn that such provocative acts could undermine ongoing efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Diplomatic channels remain open, but the incident has cast a shadow over recent progress in negotiations.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides expected to issue further statements in the coming days. International mediators are closely monitoring the developments, urging all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could lead to further escalation.
As of Friday evening, no arrests or official investigations have been announced by Armenian authorities. The incident has sparked a debate about the role of public demonstrations in regional diplomacy and the potential consequences of symbolic acts of protest.
The burning of Turkish flags in Yerevan is likely to be discussed in upcoming diplomatic meetings, with both Azerbaijan and Turkey expected to raise the issue in their communications with Armenia. The international community is watching closely, hoping that the incident will not derail the fragile peace process in the South Caucasus.