Kazakhstan will send the black boxes of the downed Azerbaijan Airlines flight to Brazil to ensure a transparent investigation into the incident. This decision follows consultations with Azerbaijan and Russia and aligns with Azerbaijan’s demands for accountability, particularly regarding the Russian narrative around the crash. President Aliyev seeks an apology from Russia and emphasizes the need for an independent investigation.
Kazakhstan’s government has decided to send the flight recorders from the downed Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft to Brazil, as reported by Euronews. This decision reflects Kazakhstan’s commitment to transparency regarding the tragedy. The move follows consultations with Azerbaijan and Russia and acknowledges that the aircraft was manufactured in Brazil.
In a statement, the government of Astana cited Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention, which governs the investigation processes for aviation incidents. As a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Kazakhstan will facilitate the reading and decoding of the black boxes in Brazil. This decision aligns with Azerbaijan’s request for an open investigation into the crash of Flight 8432, which occurred during an emergency landing attempt near Aktau.
Azerbaijan alleges that the aircraft was struck by a Russian surface-to-air missile over Grozny and subsequently ordered to fly across the Caspian Sea, being denied an emergency landing at two nearby Russian airports.
In light of the situation, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev expressed his frustration with the Russian narrative regarding the incident. He claimed that the airliner was struck from the ground and “rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare.” Aliyev has demanded an apology from Russia, an admission of guilt, and accountability for those responsible for the incident.
He further remarked on the lack of communication from Russia in the days following the incident, describing initial statements as “delirious versions.” While President Putin did apologize for the crash, he refrained from accepting direct responsibility, characterizing the event as a “tragic incident.” According to the Kremlin, air defense systems were engaged near Grozny to intercept a drone strike.
In summary, Kazakhstan’s decision to send the black boxes to Brazil demonstrates a commitment to conducting a transparent investigation into the Azerbaijan Airlines tragedy. Azerbaijan’s government continues to dispute the narrative provided by Russia and asserts its demands for accountability and an independent international investigation. As the situation unfolds, the interpretation of events surrounding the crash will become clearer once the black boxes are examined.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
