The black box from the Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan, suspected to have been caused by a Russian missile, is being sent to Brazil for investigation. Kazakhstan made this decision in alignment with Azerbaijan’s call for a transparent probe into the crash that resulted in the deaths of 38 people. Among the 67 individuals on board the aircraft were 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz citizens. The decision to send the flight recorders to Brazil was made after consultations with Azerbaijan and Russia, following the standards of Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention and considering Kazakhstan’s membership in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Azerbaijan alleged that the aircraft was struck by a Russian missile near Grozny and was denied emergency landings at two Russian airports before ultimately crashing. President Ilham Aliyev accused Russia of attempting to cover up the incident and demanded an apology, accountability for those responsible, and compensation. Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin issuing an apology, he referred to the event as a “tragic incident” without admitting guilt. The final conclusions about the crash will rely on the investigation of the flight recorders, raising tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia.
In response to Russia’s announcement of stricter rules for the stay of foreigners, Azerbaijan is planning to change its rules for the temporary stay of Russian citizens on its territory in the coming days. This decision comes as part of reciprocal measures between the two countries, reflecting the evolving relationship between Azerbaijan and Russia. It signifies a shift in immigration policies and could impact the movement of Russian citizens in Azerbaijan. These changes may influence bilateral relations and interactions between the two nations moving forward.
The investigation into the Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan and its aftermath underscore the delicate political and diplomatic dynamics at play between Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kazakhstan. The decision to send the flight recorders to Brazil for investigation reflects a commitment to transparency and adherence to international aviation standards. The accusations and demands made by President Aliyev towards Russia, and the response from President Putin, highlight the complexities of addressing a tragic incident that involves multiple countries and citizens.
As the investigation progresses and the black box data is analyzed, the focus will shift towards determining the cause of the crash and holding any responsible parties accountable. The outcomes of this investigation will have implications for the relationships between Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kazakhstan, and could potentially lead to changes in air travel protocols and security measures. The evolving situation underscores the importance of international cooperation and communication in addressing aviation incidents and ensuring the safety of passengers and aircraft in the future.
