Kazakhstan Postpones Release of Azerbaijani Plane Black Box Data…

Kazakhstan has delayed releasing the black box data from an Azerbaijani plane crash that killed 38 people, following accusations against Russia of shooting down the aircraft. Kazakh officials attribute the delay to challenges in compiling the report. Investigations are ongoing, with efforts to confirm the identities of the deceased and analyze the black boxes, further complicating the country’s political stance.

Kazakhstan has postponed the release of the black box data from an Azerbaijani plane that crashed last month. This follows accusations from Azerbaijan, claiming that Russia accidentally shot down the airliner. The crash occurred on December 25, resulting in the deaths of 38 out of 67 passengers on board.

Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev stated that there were “difficulties” with report compilation, expressing hope for the publication of preliminary findings next week. According to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, results should have been made public by Friday, marking 30 days since the crash occurred near Aktau.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has urged Moscow to acknowledge responsibility for the incident. While Russia indicated that its air defenses were active defending against drone incursions, they refrained from confirming the downing of the plane.

Bozumbayev reported that the black box contents had been “completely deciphered,” but formal identification verification involving the victims’ relatives is necessary for the investigation. A criminal case has been initiated, focusing on developing a comprehensive picture of the incident through ballistics and explosive testing.

Kazakhstan, along with Russia and Azerbaijan, has opened investigations into potential violations involved in the crash. Bozumbayev mentioned that Kazakh authorities are working closely with both Moscow and Baku. The black boxes were analyzed in Brazil, with input from experts from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, before their return to Kazakhstan for final disclosure of findings.

This incident has positioned Kazakhstan in a politically sensitive situation, given its ties to both Russia and Azerbaijan. Moreover, experts have pointed to the possibility of an accidental shootdown, drawing parallels to the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 tragedy in 2014, which was downed by a Russian missile, resulting in 298 fatalities.

Kazakhstan’s delay in releasing the black box data from the crashed Azerbaijani plane has raised concerns amid accusations against Russia. Investigations are ongoing, with Kazakh authorities collaborating closely with Russian and Azerbaijani counterparts. The situation has significant political implications for Kazakhstan, balancing its relations with both nations.

Original Source: www.france24.com