Political scientist warns of Azerbaijan's potential exit from Council of Europe amid PACE dispute

Farhad Mammadov, a political scientist and head of the South Caucasus Research Centre, discussed the escalating tensions between Azerbaijan and European institutions, particularly the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

Posting on his Telegram channel, Mammadov raised concerns over what the increasing friction might lead to, Caliber.Az reports.

“The European direction of Azerbaijan's foreign policy institutionally covers three and a half institutions:

- Council of Europe (including PACE) - full members;

- OSCE - full members, half-dead structure;

- European Union - we have a treaty on mutual relations and a memorandum of strategic partnership on energy;

- European Political Community - still an emerging format of cooperation to replace the OSCE.

After the 44-day war, only the EU had the opportunity to play a role in the negotiation process, but because of EU Council President Michel's signature on the Granada Statement, the EU mediation mission failed.

At the same time, the EU institution, the European Parliament, has adopted the most radical anti-Azerbaijani position. The example of the EP was also followed by PACE, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, where Azerbaijan is a full member and is represented in PACE by a national delegation.

A smear campaign against Azerbaijan organised by German MP Schwabe led to a crisis in relations between the Milli Majlis and PACE. The Azerbaijani delegation froze its participation for a year, and after PACE suspended the powers of the Azerbaijani delegation.

The reason for this attitude of PACE is Azerbaijan's September anti-terrorist operation in Karabakh to destroy the remnants of the Armenian Armed Forces and restore Azerbaijan's sovereignty over the entire territory. Europe cannot accept the idea that Azerbaijan was able to do this, as it was implied that it was Europe that would take the place of a permanent arbiter in the region at the expense of Azerbaijan's interests.

For several months, the national delegations of a number of PACE member countries addressed PACE with the aim of normalising relations and the return of the Azerbaijani delegation. However, all these appeals were ignored.

Azerbaijan, for its part, did not invite the PACE to monitor the parliamentary elections and also imposed a ban on entry to the country on anyone who voted in favour of suspending the Azerbaijani delegation's...

And this is logical, why invite and provide an opportunity to enter the country to representatives of a structure that is engaged and applies sanctions against Azerbaijan for the restoration of territorial integrity and sovereignty!

Along with this, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev noted during his speech at a forum in Italy that Azerbaijan would lift the ban on PACE members visiting the country once the powers of the Azerbaijani delegation are restored in the organisation. This constructive position of Azerbaijan met with indignation in PACE, especially from MP Shvabe and his henchmen.

Another escalation of the crisis occurred recently, when Azerbaijan was forced to co-operate with the Committee to Combat Torture, i.e. on the topic of accused and arrested Armenian separatists.

Such behaviour cannot remain unanswered. Azerbaijan will not let any external interference on the topic of territorial integrity and restoration of justice - this is how Azerbaijan treats the topic of the arrested 23 Armenian citizens. If Azerbaijan has to leave the Council of Europe because of territorial integrity, sovereignty and restoration of justice, it will be done! And let no one doubt it!

From diplomatic sources involved in discussions, it is known that Azerbaijan has prepared for such developments and may take steps to exit the Council of Europe before facing further anti-Azerbaijani measures.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev noted the conditions under which normalisation can take place... If these conditions are not fulfilled, the process of withdrawal will be launched,” Farhad Mammadov wrote.