Kazakhstan to Send Azerbaijan Airlines Black Boxes to Brazil for Investigation
Kazakhstan will send the black boxes of the downed Azerbaijan Airlines flight to Brazil for investigation, indicating support for transparency following the crash. President Aliyev has called for accountability from Russia amid claims that the flight was shot down. Kazakhstan’s decision aligns with international standards for aviation investigations.
The government of Kazakhstan has announced its decision to transfer the black boxes from the downed Azerbaijan Airlines flight to Brazil for examination. This step is intended to facilitate a thorough and transparent investigation following the tragic incident, which occurred during the aircraft’s emergency landing attempt near Aktau. Kazakhstan’s authorities referenced consultations with Azerbaijan and Russia in making this decision, underpinned by international aviation standards.
Kazakhstan’s action aligns with Azerbaijan’s request for a clear investigation of the circumstances surrounding Flight 8432’s crash. Reports indicate that the aircraft was allegedly struck by a Russian missile over Grozny, leading to its failed landing attempts at nearby airports. Kazakhstan’s involvement reflects its compliance as a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), asserting its commitment to responsible investigation practices.
Prior to the announcement from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed outrage over Russia’s narrative of events, claiming the airliner was hit and rendered uncontrollable due to electronic warfare. He criticized the lack of transparency from Russian authorities and indicated that Azerbaijan had made three specific demands: a public apology, admission of guilt, and prosecution of those responsible, along with compensation for victims.
While Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed regret regarding the incident, he did not admit to accountability. Official Russian statements indicated that air defense systems near Grozny were active to counter a Ukrainian threat rather than targeting the downed aircraft. President Aliyev underscored the need for an independent international investigation, rejecting Russian oversight due to concerns over bias.
Aliyev affirmed that the investigation remains active, and the definitive account of the incident will only emerge following the analysis of the flight recorders. He expressed Azerbaijan’s readiness for international collaboration while emphasizing the necessity for objective inquiry into the crash.
Kazakhstan’s decision to send the Azerbaijan Airlines black boxes to Brazil highlights its commitment to a transparent investigation after the tragic crash. President Aliyev’s demands for accountability from Russia underscore the complexities of the situation, illustrating international pressure for an unbiased inquiry. The ongoing investigation’s outcome will depend significantly on the subsequent analysis of the recovered flight recorders.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
