Azeri politicians: Iran creating provocation

Azeri politicians are accusing Iran of creating provocations following the uncovering of a terror plot to assassinate Israel's ambassador to Baku.

"On one hand, Iran talks of Shiite Muslim brotherhood, but on the other it cooperates with and supports terrorists of Christian-Armenian," said chairman of the country's Civil Solidarity Party Sabir Rustamkhanly.

Meanwhile, news of a terror plot has led the US to issue a travel advisory warning against Azerbaijan. The US embassy in Baku noted that American citizens should remember that the possibility of acts of terror against the US or high ranking officials within Azerbaijan still existed. "Citizens must remain watchful especially in public places connected the west or the Jewish community."

The US Embassy spokesman told the Azeri news agency that the embassy reinforced security measures after the plot was revealed.

"Azeri society remains vigilant and we will not facilitate a situation that will turn us into a country like Iran," Sabir Rustamkhanly said and called on his colleagues to form a policy towards Iran in line with the latest developments.

"Of course we do not support a confrontation with Iran or treating Iran as the enemy, but every statement has a response."

'Tactless speeches'

The deputy secretary general of the New Azerbaijani Party accused Iran of attacking Azeri websites. As for the terror plot, he said: "In general certain factors in Iran are trying to harm joint relations. They make tactless speeches against Azerbaijan and try and create provocation."

He believes that "Iran needs to reconsider its relations with its neighbors and with the Islamic world. These activities should not be allowed. We always condemn this kind of activity, and we are doing so today."

Three Azerbaijani citizens who were arrested by security forces last week planned to attack Jewish targets, including Israeli ambassador to Baku Michael Lotem, a local media outlet reported Tuesday.

Two of the suspects were identified as Rasim Aliyev and Ali Huseynov. According to reports, they received instructions from Balagardash Dadashov, who was in contact with Iranian intelligence and received a sniper rifle, pistols and explosive devices to attack Chabad emissaries operating in Baku.

It is estimated that the would-be assassins were supposed to receive $150,000 to carry out the hit on the Israeli ambassador. It was reported that Aliyev, Dadashov's brother-in-law, recruited Huseynov and gave him $9,300 as an advance.

Source: Ynetnews