Political scientist: It is necessary to identify the individuals who brought Turkish-Azerbaijani relations to the brink of a crisis

"Unfortunately, we have witnessed a highly undesirable and unpleasant situation between Turkey and Azerbaijan.

However, ultimately, the phone call from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to President Ilham Aliyev once again demonstrated that the friendly ties between the two heads of state are the main factor determining our relations."

This was stated in a comment to BAKU.WS by Shabnam Hasanova, Doctor of Philosophy in Political Sciences, political analyst.

According to her, it would have been much better if this phone call had been made earlier and this campaign had been stopped in a timely manner.

"Because recently we have witnessed unpleasant statements directed at Azerbaijan, accusations being made, and offensive expressions being used. It is unacceptable to attack the honor of our Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, who gave Azerbaijan a historic Victory. It is unacceptable to humiliate the Azerbaijani people.

The organization of protests in front of the embassy and consulate of Azerbaijan in Turkey's major cities — Ankara and Istanbul — is also a separate cause for regret.

Certain individuals within the Justice and Development Party, acting in a networked and systematic manner, brought our relations to a crisis level.

Undoubtedly, the participants of this campaign, including Oktay Saral, must be identified one by one, and the people who brought relations to such a crisis level must face deserved punishment. Clarifications must be carried out subsequently," the political analyst noted.

Sh. Hasanova added that when Azerbaijan declared these individuals personae non gratae, we witnessed a very interesting trend:

"Turkish media and the public stated that these individuals are personae non gratae in Turkey itself as well.

Therefore, Azerbaijan's exposure of these figures was an absolutely correct decision. These people not only damage Azerbaijani-Turkish relations and ties but also sow the seeds of division within Turkey itself.

The undeniable reality is that Azerbaijan and Turkey are friends, brothers. But undoubtedly, the recent events were disgraceful and gave rise to doubts in Azerbaijan. Because this campaign organized against the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev was unequivocally met with displeasure by the Azerbaijani people.

Because even if we had expected something like this from someone, we did not expect it from Turkey. Undoubtedly, unfortunately, such moments took place.

However, we also appreciate the position of statesmen who during the past period tried to maintain Azerbaijani-Turkish relations in the customary spirit. Such as Binali Yıldırım and Devlet Bahçeli —

we appreciate the activities and opinions of everyone who was not interested in this, who truly did not want it and did everything possible to ensure that relations were not disrupted.

The campaign originated from within the AKP. This caused discontent not only in Azerbaijan but also in Turkey itself. Supporters of the secular state and nationalists clearly stated their position against this campaign. However, difficult days also bring clarity.

This campaign aimed at defaming Azerbaijan split Turkey in two. At the same time, it once again revealed that there truly are people who love Azerbaijan, and these individuals are interested in the development of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations on a healthy basis."