Azerbaijan accuses Iran of slander over Eurovision “gay pride march” claimsMay 21, 2012 - 21:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijan on Monday, May 21 accused neighbour Iran of slander for claiming that a gay pride march would be held in Baku while the city hosts the popular Eurovision song contest this week, AFP reported. "They are making statements about something that does not exist. We are holding Eurovision, not a gay parade," senior presidential administration official Ali Hasanov told a news conference. "Actually there is no word in the Azerbaijani language for a gay parade, unlike in their language," he added. He accused Iran of being "jealous" of Azerbaijan's economic success and worried about its secular system. Unfounded rumours circulated on Iranian websites this month suggesting that a gay pride march would take place in Baku during Eurovision. In a wide-ranging attack on alleged enemies, Hasanov also slammed some European media and campaign groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, accusing them of seeking to tarnish his country's image ahead of Eurovision. "Groundless statements by two organisations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, cause particular regret," he said. "I want to say that if these organisations continue (acting) in the same way, they will risk losing the Azerbaijani people's trust, because the Azerbaijani people see that the statements of these two organisations have nothing in common with the actual situation in the country," he added. Western media have given widespread coverage in recent days to claims by campaigners that the Azerbaijani government led by strongman President Ilham Aliyev systematically violates human rights, jailing opponents, persecuting journalists and suppressing free speech. Ex-Soviet Azerbaijan is mainly Muslim but has a secular government which has increasingly tense relations with Iran after a series of arrests of alleged attack plotters with links to the Islamic Republic in recent months. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |