Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Speaks About Monte Melkonyan and Garegin Nzhdeh, While Lavrov Comments

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, during a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, complained about the glorification of Garegin Nzhdeh in Armenia. As is typical of Azerbaijanis, Bayramov labeled this as a manifestation of Nazism, noting that in Armenia, Nzhdeh is regarded as an idol, with statues erected in his honor, and schools and streets named after him.

The Azerbaijani official also spoke about Monte Melkonyan, recalling that he is a national hero of Armenia and referring to him as a "terrorist." It seems that even 30 years after his death, Monte continues to trouble Azerbaijanis.

Lavrov also joined the discussion, commenting on attempts to glorify Nazism during the press conference alongside his Azerbaijani counterpart. He was compelled to address this topic after an Azerbaijani journalist raised the issue, highlighting attempts in Armenia to glorify Nazis and inquiring about Lavrov's stance on the matter. Although the Azerbaijani journalist did not name anyone, it was clear he was referring to the Armenian national hero Garegin Nzhdeh.

While Lavrov also refrained from mentioning names, his response allowed for some understanding. He stated that the position of the Russian authorities is unequivocal: wherever manifestations of neo-Nazism and attempts to glorify Nazism occur, they are condemnable. "We specifically identify such issues in the European Union and NATO's realm, particularly in the Baltic states and Ukraine, as well as in other countries of those organizations. Russia itself is the initiator of the annual resolution adopted in the General Assembly regarding the unacceptability of glorifying Nazism. We hope that those who vote in favor of this resolution will fully adhere to the requirements outlined therein. Incidentally, Armenia and Azerbaijan are co-authors of the resolution, so no further clarification is necessary here."

Notably, Lavrov specifically pointed out where he sees such problems without mentioning Armenia, leading to the conclusion that he does not perceive such issues in Armenia.