Azerbaijan rejects European Court ruling in strong diplomatic protest

The Head of the Council of Europe (CoE) Office in Baku, Petr Sich, was summoned to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 22.

Azerbaijan expressed a strong protest regarding the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) decision of June 18, describing it as unfair, biased, and contrary to the provisions of international law, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

Referring to the case “Chiragov and Others v. Armenia”, the statement noted that the Court’s June 16, 2016 ruling had established the effective occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia, as well as the existence of an occupying regime sustained through Armenia’s direct military and financial support. However, it was emphasized that the recent decision referred to those territories as an independent entity under the designation “NKR,” which Azerbaijan said is contrary to international law and judicial procedure.

The Azerbaijani side also objected to terminology used in the ruling that it said contradicts the country’s internationally recognized sovereignty and territorial integrity. It stated that references such as “the line of contact between Azerbaijan and the ‘NKR’,” as well as mentions of the so-called regime’s army, authorities, prosecutor general, and ombudsman, represent an attempt to legitimize a former illegal separatist entity.

During the meeting, it was stressed that Azerbaijan categorically rejects the court’s decision and will consider all available means to protect its legitimate interests and take appropriate steps.

By Vafa Guliyeva