On December 29, President Ilham Aliyev gave a detailed interview to Azerbaijan Television at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, addressing the tragic crash of an AZAL plane that occurred on December 25 near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The incident, which has shocked both the Azerbaijani public and the international community, has sparked ongoing investigations and widespread attention.
Initial Reaction and Immediate Measures
President Aliyev began by recounting his immediate response upon hearing about the crash while en route to the CIS Summit in St. Petersburg. "I received information while on the plane and immediately ordered that the aircraft should return to Baku. Upon my arrival, I held an operational meeting at the airport, and a State Commission was established to coordinate the response," the president explained. He highlighted that Azerbaijani doctors were sent to Aktau to assist with the medical efforts, while a criminal investigation was launched by the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's Office.
The president shared preliminary findings, including the theory that the plane was hit from the outside by an electronic warfare device while flying over Russian territory. "Our team captured video footage from Aktau showing that the fuselage was riddled with holes, ruling out the theory of a bird strike," Aliyev stated. He criticized the Russian authorities for initially suggesting an explosion of a gas cylinder as the cause, calling it an attempt to obscure the true nature of the incident. "We believe the plane was hit by external forces, and we are not saying this was an intentional act of terrorism, but it was an accident caused by external influence," he added.
Investigation and International Collaboration
Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan's commitment to an impartial investigation, stressing that the Interstate Aviation Committee, which is predominantly made up of Russian officials, would not lead the inquiry due to concerns over objectivity. Instead, a team of international experts, including representatives from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and Russia, will work together to uncover the full details of the incident. "We believe that a working group composed only of international experts should lead the investigation," he affirmed.
The president also discussed the importance of thoroughly examining the black boxes to clarify key questions, such as why the plane was unable to land in Grozny and the extent of the damage caused by the electronic warfare and ground fire.
Acknowledging the Heroism of the Crew
A significant part of the interview focused on the heroism demonstrated by the plane's crew during the emergency landing. "I highly appreciate the professionalism and dedication of the crew. The pilots showed extraordinary heroism to save the passengers, and it is thanks to them that many lives were spared," Aliyev praised. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased crew members and announced that awards would be granted to the surviving crew members for their bravery.
The president also recognized the efforts of the female crew members, who, despite their own stress, acted calmly to prevent panic among the passengers. "Their actions were exemplary and will be duly acknowledged by the Azerbaijani state," he said.
Solidarity from Kazakhstan
In his interview, President Aliyev also expressed gratitude for the swift and compassionate response from Kazakhstan. "Kazakh rescuers put their lives at risk to save those trapped in the wreckage. The solidarity shown by the people of Kazakhstan was deeply appreciated by the Azerbaijani people," he said, recalling the heartfelt gestures of solidarity from local citizens, who laid flowers at Azerbaijan’s consulate in Aktau.
He noted that the two governments had been in close contact, with Kazakhstan forming its own State Commission to investigate the incident. Aliyev thanked Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his support and for the medical assistance provided to the victims.
Suspension of Flights and Security Concerns
Following the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) suspended flights to several Russian cities. When asked about the reasons for this decision, President Aliyev explained that the suspension was primarily due to safety concerns. "The safety of our passengers is our priority. Many Russian cities occasionally close their airspace, and this was a significant factor in our decision," he stated. He also referred to the "Kovyor operation," which had been declared only after the incident, further raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Demands from Russia
President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan's clear demands from Russia in connection with the incident. "We have officially communicated our demands to Russia: an apology, an acknowledgment of responsibility, punishment for those responsible, and compensation for the victims," he confirmed. He expressed hope that these reasonable and just demands would be accepted, stating that Azerbaijan's position was grounded in international norms and fairness.
In closing, President Aliyev reassured the Azerbaijani public that the investigation into the crash would continue with full transparency. "We will keep our people informed every step of the way," he concluded, reiterating his commitment to ensuring justice and accountability.
