Azerbaijan reacts to statement of Husrev Kutlu

BAKU (AA) – Azerbaijan has expressed its regret over the statement of Husrev Kutlu, a deputy of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the chairman of Parliamentary Political Immunity Inquiry Commission, who claimed that the picture of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of modern and secular Republic of Turkey, in the parliamentary hall should be removed.

Releasing a statement on Saturday, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Ankara said that the picture of Ataturk on a carpet was prepared by famous Azerbaijani artist Kamil Aliyev and accompanying experts as a result of months long efforts.

"The picture was presented by former President Haydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan to then Parliament Speaker Husamettin Cindoruk. This work of art is a symbol of our endless respect to both Great Leader Ataturk and Azerbaijan’s national leader Haydar Aliyev and to friendly relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan," it said.

Reminding that unfortunate expressions of Kutlu had given rise to arguments, the statement noted, "we are deeply regretted. Such unnecessary and meaningless arguments have hurt our feelings when we have still been grieving for Haydar Aliyev."

The statement added, "we believe that Kutlu did not make this statement intentionally. We are quite sure that this carpet showing Great Leader Ataturk in the uniform of marshal will decorate the Turkish Parliament forever as a present of Azerbaijani people."