Sources: Contact.az, APA.az, Haqqin.az
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on June 3, 2015 recalled his Ambassador to Ukraine and Permanent Representative to the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development (GUAM) Eynulla Madatli,
contact.az
reported.
The reasons for the recall were not disclosed. However, local media note that the recall took place amid a snafu caused by Arif Mammadov’s Facebook status. Mammadov, head of the Permanent Observer Mission of Organization of Islamic Cooperation to the European Union, criticized sharply Azerbaijani officials over the May 19
fire in Baku
’s Binagadi district.
“This tragedy is the pain and tragedy of every Azerbaijani. No people will tolerate so much shame and injustice. Officials make millions off our people’s suffering, and if they do not fear the wrath of our people, then let them fear Allah’s wrath!” Mammadov posted a day after the May 19 blaze.
His post was “liked” by a number of Azerbaijani diplomats, including Anar Madatli, Madatli’s son who serves as a diplomat in Brussels.
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hikmat Hajiyev said that an investigation would be launched into Mammadov’s statement,
APA.az
reported on June 3, 2015.
“We were informed about it. The Foreign Ministry will thoroughly investigate the issue in accordance with its internal procedures. Such a behavior from the diplomat, if confirmed, would be inappropriate and far from ethic norms. It would be an irresponsible and unprofessional behavior that is unacceptable,” he said.
Meanwhile, some local media cried foul over what some called a “mutiny” within Azerbaijan’s diplomatic corps. In particular, Eynulla Fatullayev on
Haqqin.az
accused Mammadov of treachery and betrayal.
