Turkish MP: Azerbaijani delegation fully supports my nomination for PACE President

“According to the procedure and written understanding reached two years ago, president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is to be elected from European Democrat Group (EDG)," he said.

"Along with us, there are four Azerbaijani representatives in this group, including head of the Azerbaijani delegation Samad Seyidov,” Cavusoglu said.

“We work actively here. We are in the focus of attention with our relations, unity and our activity concerning the happenings,” he said.

Cavusoglu said the nomination was discussed with the Azerbaijani delegation.

“We had talks with head of the Azerbaijani delegation Samad Seyidov and other friends and decided to nominate me for president of PACE. Of course, we discussed it with Turkish Prime Minister, ministers and our friends. We planned this decision beforehand. We discussed it with Samad Seyidov once more at the meeting of the PACE bureau in Paris. He said Azerbaijan gives full support,” he said.

Mevlut Cavusoglu said Turkish President, Prime Minister, ministers and speaker of Turkish parliament also support his nomination.

“So, we launched campaign and won the election in the group. I hope we will win PACE chairmanship,” he said.

He said it is the first time Turkey and Turks got such an opportunity.

“Some were jelaous and some others praised it. But this is a democratic choice and if we believe in democracy, the final results should be accepted by all,” he said.

Cavusoglu said the tenure was three years in the previous elections, later it was reduced to two years.

“This agreement is reflected in all internal procedures. Increasing the tenure of PACE president will be discussed again. Change in the tenure takes place with the consent of PACE’s related committees," he said.

Mevlut Cavusoglu said it is important to act fairly in PACE, to prevent double standards and have equal attitude towards all countries.

“Moreover, it is important to explain and promote the values of the Council of Europe. I think the biggest shortcoming is the lack of dialogue among the structures of the Council of Europe, Council of Europe and member states and other international organizations. We should increase the influence of the Council of Europe. Moreover, we should attach great importance to the dialogue among cultures, civilizations and will do our best for this,” he said.

/APA/