According to the Azerbaijani publication Minval, Azerbaijani law enforcement authorities have taken control of the “Russian House”, a cultural center operated by Rossotrudnichestvo in Baku. In connection with this, surveillance cameras have been installed, indicating that operational monitoring is underway.
Moreover, Minval has discovered that the “Russian House” still lacks the necessary registration in Azerbaijan. The fact that it was allowed to operate without it is a separate and very serious issue.
The situation surrounding the “Russian House” and Rossotrudnichestvo in Azerbaijan is becoming increasingly scandalous. Recently, the “Russian House” published its event schedule for February, which, predictably, did not include any mention of the anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide. This is precisely the kind of case where a drop of water reflects an entire ocean—in this case, an ocean of espionage and provocations. The installation of surveillance cameras and the tightening of operational control over the activities of the “Russian House” is a long-overdue step.
Another point is also clear: an organization that lacks official registration in Azerbaijan cannot conduct legal activities within the country. The commonly used diplomatic argument about extraterritoriality is irrelevant here—the “Russian House” is not located on the premises of the Russian diplomatic mission. This fact alone is a strong basis for its closure.
Additionally, serious questions arise regarding the activities of the “Russian House”, just as they do concerning USAID, which, under the formal guise of “humanitarian projects” and “soft power,” pursues entirely different objectives. It is worth recalling that USAID is headed by Samantha Power, who is known for her hostility toward Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as her close ties with Ruben Vardanyan, who is currently on trial facing serious charges, including terrorism.
Rossotrudnichestvo is led by Yevgeny Primakov Jr., the grandson of Yevgeny Primakov, one of the organizers of the punitive operation and massacre of peaceful civilians in Baku on January 20, 1990. Minval has repeatedly reported on the anti-Azerbaijani provocations carried out under the umbrella of the current Rossotrudnichestvo. And, as in the case of USAID, the activities of the “Russian House” and Rossotrudnichestvo in Azerbaijan should be terminated.
We stand for good-neighborly relations with Russia, but that does not mean granting the most favorable conditions for provocateurs.
