TURKPA official criticises PACE resolution on Azerbaijan as "unjustified attacks"

The Secretary-General of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA), Ramil Hasan, has criticised a resolution on Azerbaijan adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on June 24, saying it reflects a recurring pattern of what he described as unjustified attacks on the country by European parliamentary structures.

According to local media, Hasan said such steps appear to be an attempt to “punish” Azerbaijan following the restoration of its territorial integrity.

“Politicisation and manipulation of human rights issues, double standards and their use as an instrument against sovereign states are unacceptable,” the TURKPA secretary-general stated.

Hasan added that instead of adopting such resolutions, PACE should have shown support for Azerbaijan, a country that has restored its territories after occupation, is undertaking large-scale reconstruction and construction work, and is engaged in humanitarian demining activities.

“Rather than adopting such resolutions, it would have been more constructive to demonstrate solidarity with Azerbaijan and, within its mandate, contribute to ongoing efforts, including clarifying the fate of nearly 4,000 missing Azerbaijani citizens,” he said.

The TURKPA secretary-general also called on international parliamentary institutions to promote dialogue, mutual understanding and respect for the fundamental principles of international law.

By Aghakazim Guliyev