Russia not surprised by Azerbaijan’s decision on European Parliament Foreign Ministry says

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on the European Parliament’s anti-Azerbaijani resolution, stressing what she described as unacceptable approaches by Members of the European Parliament toward Azerbaijan, Russia, and many other states.

Responding to a request from “Vestnik Kavkaza,” Zakharova supported the decision of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis (parliament) to end cooperation with the European Parliament following the adoption of the resolution on April 30.

“The decision by Baku to end all contacts with the so-called European Parliament is not surprising. The fact is that not only Azerbaijan face rudeness, disrespect and direct interference by this structure in the internal affairs of sovereign states. It continuously produces anti-scientific resolutions – not just politicised, but fake ones – like a broken printer. The language of these resolutions toward third countries is predominantly arrogant and patronising, as if a metropolis were speaking to its colonies,” she said.

Zakharova added that the European Parliament has long become a “mouthpiece of ultra-liberal policies from Brussels” and claimed it has no real connection to democracy.

“In recent times, we see how this platform is increasingly becoming one of the key European centres for spreading phobias, aggression, fake narratives, suppression of free speech, falsification and manipulation of history under the pretext of defending so-called democratic stability. They should at least once explain what exactly they understand by democracy, because it has nothing to do with the will of the people or people’s power,” the spokesperson continued.

Zakharova also pointed to what she described as a growing crisis of trust in the European Parliament within the European Union itself. “It is no secret that political technologies are widely used in Europe, allowing so-called ‘elected representatives’ to blatantly ignore the views of EU citizens. People in EU countries are trying to defend their values, while the European Parliament is moving in a completely different direction, openly disregarding the needs of those who vote for its members,” she noted.

“Citizens of EU countries are increasingly voting for conservative views. Nationally oriented forces, which declare their interest in building more respectful relations in Europe and with the global majority, are trying to promote their representatives to the European Parliament. Largely for this reason, they are not allowed into leadership positions in the EP,” Zakharova added.

The diplomat also stressed that Russia supports constructive engagement with the EU. “We understand that Baku continues dialogue with other European structures and has every sovereign right to do so. The visit of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to Baku on May 5 took place – and this is the sovereign right of any state,” she concluded.

By Jeyhun Aghazada