Baku signals readiness to rejoin PACE if Assembly embraces justice, reality—MP

Azerbaijan remains open to the possibility of returning to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), provided the organization demonstrates a fair and objective approach to new regional realities, said Samad Seyidov, head of Azerbaijan’s delegation to PACE.

Speaking about the country’s post-victory position, Seyidov stressed that the Assembly must align its actions with international law and overcome internal biases that have hindered constructive dialogue, Caliber.Az reports.

“Azerbaijan’s historic victory has reshaped the regional and global landscape, ending separatism, restoring justice, and reclaiming occupied territories. Yet, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has not fully recognized the significance of these developments, nor acknowledged how they align with international law and represent a step toward justice for humanity. Those who promote separatism and attempt to legitimize occupation fail to understand the dangers of such a stance," Seyidov noted.

The Azerbaijani lawmaker said that some actors within PACE who defend separatism have become captives of specific interests.

“Those unable to resolve these issues within the organization only exacerbate the situation. A fair resolution could strengthen PACE itself and pave the way for Azerbaijan’s return,” he said.

Seyidov emphasized that the initiative must come from PACE itself. “If the Assembly cannot reflect reality, if it claims to uphold international law but acts contrary to it, and if it is unable to influence a small group of individuals within its structure, then re-engaging with such an organization will be challenging,” he added.

The MP emphasized that Azerbaijan remains committed to dialogue, but such engagement must rest on the principles of mutual respect and equality.

“The resolutions adopted by the Council of Europe accuse Azerbaijan of actions it has never committed. PACE must summon the integrity to acknowledge that these documents — rife with falsehoods and slander — have effectively undermined the organization’s credibility, influence, and capacity for meaningful engagement,” Seyidov said.

He noted that Azerbaijan joined the Assembly voluntarily, viewing dialogue as a fundamental value and the highest form of cooperation. “However, instead of pursuing dialogue and negotiations based on mutual respect, they opted for a path of unilateral pressure and interference in our internal affairs. This is something we cannot accept,” he stated.

Addressing the issue of relations with the European Court of Human Rights, Seyidov underscored the inconsistency of the current approach: “The challenges surrounding the Court stem directly from this problem. As parliamentarians, we are supposed to participate in the selection of judges. How can it be logically justified that we are excluded from this process, yet still expected to comply with the rulings of those judges?”

By Vafa Guliyeva