Azerbaijani parliament protests European Parliament's resolution - UPDATE

Dec. 26
10:23

Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis (parliament) has adopted an appeal to the European Parliament.

The paper says that Azerbaijan continues democratic state-building and respects human rights.

In mid-December, the European Parliament adopted a statement, which contains criticism over human rights situation in Azerbaijan.

The paper expresses concerns over the deterioration of freedom of speech.

"Like many countries passing the way of democratic development, there are some problems in Azerbaijan. The regrettable fact is that the entire world community knows which country is the occupier and which is under occupation. Despite this, Azerbaijan, as a state choosing path of democratic development, has always given preference to the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peacefully. Given all this, we protest against the European Parliament statement criticizing the human rights situation in Azerbaijan, and we hope that taking into account Azerbaijan's interest in more strengthening relations with Europe, the European Union will not allow such kind of statements with regard to Azerbaijan in future," the document says.

Dec. 25
14:20

Today’s sitting of the Azerbaijani parliament began with protest of the parliamentarians against resolution on Azerbaijan adopted by the European Parliament on Dec. 17.

Vice-speaker Valeh Alasgarov said the resolution of the European Parliament on Azerbaijan was unfair.

“Everybody’s, nor only journalists' rights should be ensured. The European Parliament has never remembered the violated rights of one million refugees and IDPs. Nobody remembered their rights. The resolution demands immediate release of some persons, restoration of broadcasters. We should respond to this," he said.

Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov regarded the resolution as a kind of pressure against Azerbaijan.

“This is one of the means to make Azerbaijan compromise in the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” he said.

MP Rovshan Rzayev said the Azerbaijani parliament should issue a  protest statement about it.

“We should start dialogue with members of the European Parliament," he said.

“Some political groups exert pressure on Azerbaijan,” said MP Fuad Muradov.

According to MP Samad Seyidov, the forces that dislike Azerbaijan have become active.

He considers that the resolution should be reacted in two manners.

“Protest should be expressed against the resolution. First of all, this resolution is connected with Azerbaijan’s leadership in the region. On the other hand, we should analyze our work. In what direction are we working with them? We should explain Azerbaijan’s importance for Europe in the language they understand. The resolution is biased,” he said.

Following the discussions, Azerbaijani parliament established a commission.

Speaker Asadov said the commission will prepare a statement of protest to the European Parliament, the parliament will confirm the statement today.

The European Parliament resolution adopted on Dec. 17 says freedom of expression and press is not satisfactory in Azerbaijan and calls on the Azerbaijani government to take positive steps.

/APA/