Italian Deputy FM denounces EP's resolution on Azerbaijan as "distortion of history"

The European Parliament's resolution against Azerbaijan, adopted on October 24, is biased and rife with historical inaccuracies, according to Italy's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli. 

Cirielli highlighted that the resolution is notably filled with both legal and historical falsifications, Caliber.Az reports citing Agenzia Nova.

"I am surprised by the resolution adopted by the European Parliament against Azerbaijan. It was Armenia that occupied not only Karabakh but also territories exclusively inhabited by Azerbaijanis for thirty years. The exodus of Armenians from the region was not Azerbaijan's fault; rather, as independent UN reports indicate, it was a decision made by local Armenian separatists. Over 750,000 Azerbaijanis were forced to flee their homes due to the war instigated by Armenia under the pretext of protecting Armenians in internationally recognized Azerbaijani territory. These Azerbaijanis remain unable to return to their lands, as their towns have been destroyed and the region is heavily mined,” he stated.

He emphasized that there are no Azerbaijani armed forces present on Armenian territory, adding, "The resolution adopted by the European Parliament certainly does not contribute to the swift signing of a peace treaty between the two countries."

Cirielli expressed his astonishment at the criticism regarding "dependence on Azerbaijani gas through the TAP pipeline," which actually allows the EU to reduce its reliance on Russian gas supplies. He stated, "Accusations against Azerbaijan for purchasing Russian gas contradict international expectations. At the same time, the fact that trade relations between Russia and Armenia have quadrupled in the past two years, largely due to sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation, is being overlooked."

The diplomat urged the European Union to focus on stabilizing the situation in the South Caucasus by adopting a neutral and balanced stance that fosters rapprochement between the two countries rather than exacerbating tensions.

In summary, Cirielli reaffirmed that Azerbaijan is a strategic partner of Italy and the EU not only in energy and economics but also politically. He also criticized Western politicians for asserting that the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia is rooted in religious differences. “Georgia, despite being a Christian country, is a strategic and logistical partner of Azerbaijan. This refutes the notion that there is a religious conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” Cirielli concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova