Analysts view Baku's statements on plane crash as warning to Russia

Azerbaijan will seek Russia's recognition of responsibility for the plane crash, although persistence won't result in any serious problems in mutual relations. If Moscow fails to react, then some diplomatic response is possible.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Rasim Musabekov, an Azerbaijani MP, demanded from Russian to take responsibility and apologize for the plane crash. The "Azerbaijan Airlines" (AZAL) announced suspension of flights to a number of Russian cities. According to the preliminary investigation, the plane crashed as a result of physical and technical external affection.

Shakhin Gadjiev, an editor of the "Turan" News Agency, said that the fact that a tough negative response was given to the Chechen leadership's offer to help the victims was an indication that Azerbaijan would not enter into behind-the-scene political bargaining with Russia in exchange for "silence."

Azerbaijan wouldn't accept any aid from Chechnya, a source in the Azerbaijani presidential administration told the "Day.az" outlet after it was reported that Ramzan Kadyrov had ordered to provide help to casualties' families and crash victims.

Gadjev believes that Azerbaijan will seek recognition by Russia of responsibility for the plane crash, despite the risks of worsening relations with the Kremlin, since the Azeri's prestige is at stake.

On the other hand, the Kremlin cannot easily sacrifice its partnership with Azerbaijan, since Russia has very few "friends" left in the world.

Togrul Djuvarly, a member of the Azerbaijani National Public Committee for European Integration, also believes that Azerbaijan will seek recognition from Russia of the mistake that led to the plane crash.

"It's clear that the plane was shot down unintentionally. However, this does not relieve Russia of responsibility. Azerbaijan should have been warned in advance about the airspace closure. The Russia's guilt is aggravated by the fact that after the plane was damaged, it was not allowed to land at nearby Russian airports ... As a result, 38 people perished, including mostly Azerbaijani citizens; and Baku cannot turn a blind eye to all this," Mr Djuvarly has stated.