Azernews.Az

BAKU – Some Iranian circles’ attempts to interfere in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs and Iranian media outlets’ "belittling" the country is disrespect for Azerbaijan and Iran’s large Azerbaijani population, a ruling party official has said.

Ali Ahmadov, deputy chairman of the Yeni (New) Azerbaijan Party, said in an interview with YAP’s website that along with Iran’s being a neighboring country, it is home to a great number of Azerbaijanis, which links the two countries.

"In France, for instance, the government and relevant bodies’ respect for the Armenians living there played a role in the shape-up of a traditionally favorable attitude toward Armenia. At least to follow this example, Iran’s government agencies, respective bodies and the media should not disrespect the Azerbaijani state as a sign of respect for their citizens who are Azerbaijanis, but instead honor it."

Ahmadov termed as fair the recent protests against Iran’s moves held both in Azerbaijan and abroad.

"I consider these protests absolutely normal. I believe that at the same time, they should be deemed as Azerbaijani citizens’ messages to relevant Iranian circles to put an end to such instances," Ahmadov said.

Iranian officials have made statements defying Azerbaijan under the pretext of a ban on wearing headscarves introduced in Azerbaijani schools, and the neighboring country’s Sahar TV channel is airing anti-Azerbaijani broadcasts. Moreover, Iran is expanding its political and economic relations with Armenia, which occupies part of Azerbaijani territory. Public ire over Iran’s moves has boiled into angry protests held outside the country’s diplomatic missions both in Azerbaijan and a slew of other countries in the past days.

Up to 25 percent of Iran's 76 million people are ethnic Azerbaijanis.