Iran responds to Erdogan's poem alleging separatist sentimentsDecember 11, 2020 - 17:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has reacted to a piece of poetry recited by Turkish President Recep Teyyep Erdogan, which allegedly involved separatist sentiments about the Aras River which runs along the Iran-Azerbaijan border. Zarif said in a tweet that Erdogan's actions are undermining the sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Turkey's biggest ally in the region. “Pres. Erdogan was not informed that what he ill-recited in Baku refers to the forcible separation of areas north of Aras from Iranian motherland,” Zarif tweeted on Friday. “Didn't he realize that he was undermining the sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan?” he added. “NO ONE can talk about OUR beloved Azerbaijan,” he noted, referring to the West Azerbaijan province in the north of the Islamic Republic. Mehr News Agency reported on Friday, December 11 that Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned Turkey's ambassador to Tehran over the remarks made by Turkish President Erdogan during his visit to the Azerbaijan Republic. The Ministry’s spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that Turkish Ambassador to Tehran Derya Örs has been summoned following "meddlesome and unacceptable" remarks of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made during his trip to Baku. Khatibzadeh said the Islamic Republic is awaiting Turkey's explanations as soon as possible. Erdogan traveled to Baku on Thursday to attend a military parade of Azerbaijani forces after Baku's "victory" in the recent war against Nagorno-Karabakh. At the ceremony, he recited a piece of poetry which reportedly included separatist sentiments about the Aras River which runs along the Iran-Azerbaijan border. 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |