Baku:A letter penned by 55 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from Azerbaijan addressed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has sparked controversy following its apparent rejection by the Iranian Embassy. The NGOs’ letter, which highlighted the issue of ensuring the right to education in their native language for millions of Azerbaijanis residing in Iran, was presented to the Iranian Embassy in Azerbaijan on November 2.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, the Iranian Embassy subsequently sent a letter to APA News Agency on November 3, stating that the NGO representatives’ letter had not been officially accepted. The embassy’s response emphasized that, under its administrative procedures, letters from unknown individuals or unreliable senders are not registered and are destroyed.
The embassy’s statement has led to questions about its handling of the letter, which was signed by known individuals representing the 55 NGOs. Despite photographic and video evidence of the letter’s delivery, the embassy described the letter as worthless and attributed it to unknown individuals. This characterization has been criticized by signatories, including Zaur Ibrahimli of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, who accused the embassy of distorting facts and evading responsibility.
Vusala Huseynli, Chairwoman of the “Reformist Women and Innovations” Public Union, also criticized the embassy’s approach, labeling it unprofessional and an attempt to divert attention from the issue at hand. She emphasized the need for the embassy to forward such appeals to the relevant authorities in Iran.
The discord between the Iranian Embassy and Azerbaijani NGOs highlights ongoing tensions over the right to education in native languages for Azerbaijanis in Iran. The question of how and when the Iranian side will formally address this issue remains unanswered, with many calling for a return to the substantive discussion of the matter.
Source Azeri-Press news agency