The message delivered by President Ilham Aliyev regarding the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in his video address at the European Political Community summit held in Yerevan is a clear signal to the international community.
Member of the Milli Majlis Tural Ganjaliyev stated in a comment to APA that Azerbaijan is demonstrating its principled position: “On May 1, the Milli Majlis adopted a decision to suspend cooperation with the European Parliament in all areas. This decision is fully justified and logical from both legal and political perspectives. Until now, Azerbaijan has always based its international parliamentary diplomacy on open dialogue, mutual respect, and constructive cooperation. The Azerbaijani side has attached particular importance to building relations on sound foundations both in bilateral and multilateral platforms. However, unfortunately, the European Parliament, by not acting in line with these principles, has for a long time demonstrated a biased and destructive stance toward our country. This seriously damages the environment for cooperation and effectively makes the development of relations impossible. Cooperation on any international platform is only possible on the basis of mutual trust and equal relations. If these principles are violated, participation in such a platform becomes merely formal and yields no real results. A similar approach has also been observed in recent years within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The restriction of the rights of the Azerbaijani delegation, steps aimed at depriving it of voting rights, and the adoption of unilateral political assessments regarding the country constitute a biased approach. In particular, positions within monitoring mechanisms and various resolutions that interfere in Azerbaijan’s internal processes have undermined the atmosphere of bilateral trust. These approaches do not correspond to the principles of neutrality and dialogue of PACE.”
Silence during occupation, biased attacks in the post-conflict period
Tural Ganjaliyev noted that the European Parliament’s non-objective approach was particularly evident during the period when Azerbaijan’s territories were under occupation: “During the nearly 30-year occupation, our cities and villages were destroyed, our cultural heritage was eradicated, and hundreds of thousands of people were displaced from their native lands. Despite this, the European Parliament either turned a blind eye to these facts or demonstrated a selective attitude. This shows how biased that institution’s approach is to issues of international law and justice. After Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty, the European Parliament began to display harsher rhetoric toward our country. Numerous resolutions adopted after the 44-day Patriotic War included false information, unfounded claims, and absurd accusations. The fact that the number of these resolutions has reached 14 over the past five years is no longer coincidental, but an indicator of a systematic political campaign.”
Activities directed against the peace process create risks for the regio
The MP stated that the European Parliament’s activities are not limited only to political rhetoric, but also have a real impact on the ongoing peace process in the region: “Today, Azerbaijan is advancing the peace agenda in line with the realities of the post-conflict period in the region and is taking concrete steps to normalize relations with Armenia. However, instead of supporting this process, the European Parliament, on the contrary, adopts a position aimed at sabotaging it. This creates obstacles to ensuring long-term stability in the region. Tural Ganjaliyev emphasized that one of the most serious problems in the European Parliament’s approach is the distortion of legal realities: ‘Presenting individuals who have committed serious crimes on the territory of Azerbaijan as “prisoners” is completely unacceptable. This not only contradicts the principles of international law, but also undermines the concept of justice. Defending war criminals in this manner encourages revanchist forces in the region and deals a blow to the peace process. Such an approach may lead to even more serious threats in the future: if criminals remain unpunished, this increases the risk of new conflicts.’”
Fake agendas and attempts at manipulatio
The MP noted that in recent times the European Parliament has been trying to exert pressure on Azerbaijan through new topics: “It is noteworthy that even issues that are not raised in such a manner by Armenia itself are being politicized by the European Parliament. Topics such as monuments, return, and the protection of Christian heritage are being turned into tools of manipulation. However, Azerbaijan has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to the protection of all religious and cultural heritage in the territories liberated from occupation. Such approaches undermine the environment of trust. This does not serve the formation of an environment of reconciliation and cooperation in the region, but rather deepens confrontation.”
President Ilham Aliyev’s message
According to the MP, the remarks voiced by President Ilham Aliyev in his video address at the European Political Community summit held in Yerevan are the most accurate political assessment of the current situation: “The head of state clearly stated that not all European institutions demonstrate the same position. We implemented ourselves the four UN Security Council resolutions adopted in 1993 that had remained on paper for 30 years. Four months after this, sanctions were imposed on our delegation to PACE. Unfortunately, double standards have today become a kind of method of operation for PACE. Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity has the same value as the territorial integrity of any other country, and double standards on this issue are unacceptable. The European Parliament, instead of contributing to the peace process, has turned into a tool of disinformation and pressure. This message once again clearly conveyed Azerbaijan’s position to the international community. This speech also serves to prevent disinformation: ‘Azerbaijan expresses its position openly and transparently and does not allow any manipulation. This position serves to protect Azerbaijan’s national interests. Azerbaijan will not accept a policy of pressure and blackmail under any circumstances. Azerbaijan will continue its efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region. Our country remains committed to the peace agenda and seeks to achieve real results in this direction. At the same time, it will also demonstrate a firm stance against forces that hinder the peace process, conduct anti-Azerbaijan campaigns, and turn international law into a political tool.’”
