Political scientist: Some forces are not interested in development of Azerbaijan-UK relations

"Various radical groups are trying to worsen the situation in Azerbaijan, and they are also trying to attack our foreign relations. Of course, there was a successful fight against them internally, and now there is no base for those radical forces in our country. That is why they are trying to create havoc abroad," political scientist Ilgar Valizada told Report.

According to him, particular forces encourage these groups, and historical experience confirms it: "Probably, the sabotage against the Azerbaijani embassy in Great Britain was planned because an unexpected attack on a protected object is impossible. The planned attack means that behind the issue are not weak powers, but special organizations".

According to Valizada, it is no coincidence that Azerbaijan's embassy in the UK was chosen as a target: "The relations between London and Baku have developed a lot in recent years. James Sharp, the British ambassador to our country, often visits the liberated regions and gets acquainted with the demining of those areas. He is more active than other colleagues. There are probably forces that are worried about this. Likely, someone is not interested in developing British-Azerbaijani relations, London's investment in the South Caucasus."

The political scientist also said that such steps cannot harm the relations between the parties: "As you know, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already resigned. One of the main candidates for his position is the current Foreign Minister, Liz Truss. Perhaps, someone wants the relations between Britain and Azerbaijan not to be as dynamic as they are now during the next government. However, such attempts are pointless. Cheap games can't damage Azerbaijan's foreign relations. It is just possible that those groups tried to show their strength."

On August 4, 2022, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was attacked by a radical religious group. Entering the embassy building, the group members committed vandalism, raised religious flags, and shouted radical religious slogans on the balcony of the building. After the intervention of the local police, the group members were taken out of the building and detained. Embassy employees were not injured as a result of the incident. Local law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident. Additional information regarding the results of the investigation will be provided.

A warning regarding the security of diplomats and diplomatic premises in accordance with the Vienna Convention has been brought to the attention of UK authorities through diplomatic channels.