Azerbaijan Expresses Strong Displeasure Over Israel's Recognition of Armenian Genocide

Kathmandu. Azerbaijan has expressed serious dissatisfaction after Israel recognized the killings of Armenians during World War I as genocide. Azerbaijan, a close ally of Turkey, has warned that this decision could negatively impact regional reconciliation and stability.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the decision of Israel was termed a matter of serious concern, stating that it could deepen existing divisions. The ministry has urged the Israeli government to reconsider the decision.

Armenia has been striving for international recognition of the event, in which about 1.5 million Armenians died during the Ottoman Empire period from 1915 to 1917, as genocide. Turkey, however, has continuously denied the accusation. According to Ankara, people from both Armenian and Turkish communities were killed during World War I, and the number of deaths is less than what Armenia claims.

More than two dozen countries, including the United States, France, and Germany, have already recognized this event as genocide. However, Israel had long avoided such recognition. This was mainly attributed to its strategic relationship with Turkey.

Relations between Turkey and Israel have soured since the war in Gaza began. Turkey has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, while Israel has denied these accusations. Analysts also view Israel's latest decision as a political message to Turkey.

Azerbaijan and Israel have maintained close cooperation in the defense and security sectors. However, as Turkey is Azerbaijan's closest partner, Israel's decision may affect trilateral relations.

Meanwhile, tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, who have been in dispute over the Karabakh region for decades, have been easing in recent months. While both countries are moving forward with negotiations towards a comprehensive peace agreement, Israel's decision has created a new debate in regional diplomacy.