In response to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s (PACE) monitoring committee’s decision to propose withholding confirmation of the powers of the Azerbaijani delegation, Azerbaijan has officially announced the suspension of its work and engagement within PACE, as reported by Interfax-Azerbaijan on January 24.
The decision comes after the monitoring committee endorsed a draft resolution suggesting the non-confirmation of the Azerbaijani delegation’s powers, effectively excluding Azerbaijan from participating in PACE proceedings throughout the year 2024.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the prevailing atmosphere within PACE, the Azerbaijani delegation cited concerns of racism, Azerbaijanophobia, and Islamophobia. In their statement during the January 24 meeting, the delegation declared, “In the face of the unbearable atmosphere of racism, Azerbaijanophobia and Islamophobia that has developed in PACE, the Azerbaijani delegation decides to cease its interaction and presence in PACE until further notice.”
Azerbaijan, upon joining the Council of Europe in 2001, had high hopes for the organization’s commitment to safeguarding human rights and the rule of law. The delegation expressed disappointment in the organization’s inability to address the rights violations of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis resulting from the military aggression and occupation by Armenia of internationally recognized territories.
