People's writer, public and political figure, Elchin Afandiyev, who served as Deputy Prime Minister for many years, passed away on August 3. Family members of the writer, state officials, and cultural figures attended his farewell ceremony. However, the absence of former Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, who worked with Elchin Afandiyev for many years, at the farewell ceremony attracted public attention.
Manset.az contacted the former Prime Minister regarding the matter. Artur Rasizade stated that he could not attend the ceremony due to health problems:
"I can barely take five steps. My blood pressure is high, and it's very difficult for me to go outside in this heat. I spoke with his wife and offered my condolences. I didn't go due to my health. I had a very good relationship with Elchin Afandiyev. His youngest daughter and my granddaughter are friends. They even visited me. Such claims are baseless, empty, foolish talk. Journalists should have some mercy, some conscience. We are human, we can get sick, I am 90 years old. What else could it be? My only daughter and my granddaughter also attended that ceremony. I also sent flowers to the ceremony."
It should be noted that Elchin Afandiyev served as Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan from 1995 to 2018. During this period, he worked together with the country's former Prime Minister, Artur Rasizade.