Azerbaijani Parliament issues formal protest to Czech Republic

The Azerbaijani Parliament expressed its discontent with the Czech Republic in a formal letter of protest, according to Report.

Elnur Allahverdiyev, the head of the Working Group on inter-parliamentary relations with the Czech Republic in Milli Majlis, conveyed the group's concerns to the friendship group on Czech-Azerbaijani inter-parliamentary relations of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic on May 24.

The letter addressed the remarks made by Jan Bartoshek, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic Parliament, during his meeting with Armenian Ambassador Ashot Hovakimyan. These remarks were deeply regretted by the members of the Azerbaijani-Czech inter-parliamentary relations working group.

It was noted that Jan Bartoshek's one-sided comments not only do not reflect the truth but also contradict the spirit of friendship and cooperation that has emerged and justified itself in recent years between the parliaments of Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic. It is also mentioned that it seems that Mr Bartoshek is not aware of the true reasons for the history of the former conflict, as well as of the new realities that have developed in the region in the last 3 years and the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The statements of Mr. Bartoshek, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of a friendly country, damage the healthy cooperation and friendly relations between our countries.

The text of the letter says: “The Working Group on Inter-Parliamentary Relations with the Czech Republic brings to Mr Bartoshek's attention that 20% of the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan was occupied by Armenia for 30 years. During this period Armenia has looted and destroyed settlements belonging to Azerbaijanis, destroyed and falsified historical and architectural monuments, as well as desecrated religious buildings belonging to Azerbaijan. The whole world, including Armenia itself and Mr. Bartosek's country, the Czech Republic, recognized this territory as an integral part of Azerbaijan. Under such circumstances, the Vice-Chairman's open disregard of his own state's official position on this issue or deliberate distortion of facts causes us amazement and deep regret”.

The working group condemned Bartoshek's statement and expressed hope for a correction of what they perceived as a political mistake.

The letter concluded by requesting that the position of the working group be brought to the attention of the leadership of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament.