WANA (Sep 13) – Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser on international affairs to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, criticized reports that the Republic of Azerbaijan plans to host a summit of Jewish rabbis, calling the move “anti-Islamic” and “against the dignity of Shiism.”

 

In a written statement, Velayati said: “The news of holding a summit of Zionist rabbis in a Muslim and Shiite country is both astonishing and regrettable. This is the first time such a breach has been committed by the government of Azerbaijan, and it is an anti-Islamic act that undermines the honor of Shiites worldwide.”

 

He suggested that the objective of the gathering appears to be expanding the Abraham Accords to include Azerbaijan and other Muslim-majority countries in Central Asia.

 

Highlighting the region’s historical ties, Velayati noted that the people of Azerbaijan, Aran, and the Caucasus have long been devoted to the Ahl al-Bayt (Household of the Prophet) and Imam Ali (AS).

 

He emphasized that even after separation from Iran and occupation by the Tsars, they remained committed to Islam and sought guidance from religious scholars in hopes of rejoining Iran.

 

Velayati warned that the Azerbaijani people would reject the move: “The proud people of Azerbaijan, Aran, and the Caucasus will certainly be dissatisfied with this anti-Islamic act and its contradiction to their devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt. This irrational and inhumane step will ultimately harm Azerbaijan and lead nowhere.”