Moscow is hoping for a swift normalization of its relations with Baku, and the release of Russian citizens currently held in Azerbaijan would be an important step toward that goal, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.
“We are going through, shall we say, a rather complicated phase in our relations with Azerbaijan. Russia wants to see this period end as soon as possible. We are counting on a quick return to normal,” Zakharova noted. “A key step in that direction would be the release of Russian citizens still being held by Azerbaijani authorities.”
Zakharova reminded journalists that a diplomatic note demanding the immediate release of the Russians—including journalists and tourists—had already been handed to the Azerbaijani ambassador in Moscow, Rakhman Mustafayev.
“To our knowledge, Azerbaijani law enforcement has no real grounds for detaining these individuals. We are continuing discussions with the Azerbaijani side on this matter, including through law enforcement channels,” Zakharova concluded.
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Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on TASS materials