While Azerbaijanis go hysterical over Armenia-Iran relations, Ahmadinejad plans visit to Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - It’s been several weeks since Azerbaijanis have been voicing severe concern over developing Armenia-Iran relations. Obviously, numerous anti-Iranian meetings in Baku and Ankara aim to force Tehran to turn away from Yerevan.

Thus, on February 4, Turkish citizens of Azerbaijani origin organized a rally in front of Iranian embassy in Ankara. Rally participants laid a black wreath at Iranian embassy, demanding Iran to stop cooperation with Armenia and interference in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs.

February 9 Baku-hosted rally against “Iran’s officials’ disrespectful attitude to Azerbaijan and establishing closer relations with Armenia” was dispersed by the police. Most probably, Azerbaijani authorities aimed to show their non-involvement in organisation of suchlike rallies.

Some assumptions suggest that anti-Iranian rallies are caused by Baku’s fear for Islamic revolution which might be provoked by increasing influence of Islam in Azerbaijan.

However, it should be kept in mind that Iran has rejected a request to provide Azerbaijan with a corridor along Arax River for attacking Fizuli, Jebrail and Zangelan. According to Echo newspaper, Baku negotiated the issue in autumn 2010 and experienced complete failure. In exchange for the corridor, Baku promised to take a neutral stand in case of a war against Iran. Clearly, Baku cannot forgive Iran’s refusal.

While Azerbaijan tries to exacerbate Iran-Armenia ties, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has scheduled a visit to Armenia. Return visit of Armenian President to Iran is planned as well as his participation in Novruz festivities. “Mutual visits of parliament speakers and other officials are also expected,” Iran’s ambassador to Armenia Seyed Ali Saghaeyan stressed.

Apparently, yet another attempt of Azerbaijan to “harm” Armenia has failed.