Azerbaijan is seriously considering a complete withdrawal from the… (азербайджан · алиев · совет)
Azerbaijan is seriously considering a complete withdrawal from the Council of Europe, according to President Ilham Aliyev, who stated that the country has been subjected to discrimination since 2024 after losing its voting rights in the Parliamentary Assembly. The move follows unresolved disputes over human rights and electoral fairness related to Nagorno-Karabakh.
Consensus
- Azerbaijan is considering a complete exit from the Council of Europe.
- President Ilham Aliyev made the statement during the Shusha Global Media Forum.
- The loss of voting rights in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe occurred in early 2024.
- The decision to suspend voting rights was based on concerns about human rights violations in Nagorno-Karabakh and fair elections.
- Azerbaijan's delegation suspended its participation in the Parliamentary Assembly in response.
- The Secretary General of the Council of Europe urged Aliyev not to exit, but this did not change the situation.
Points of divergence
- Aliyev stated that if Azerbaijan exits, 'little will change' in the country and it might even be better. — kommersant
- Aliyev said Azerbaijan could return to full participation only after restoration of its delegation's rights. — m24
- Aliyev claimed that European structures should admit their mistake and gain courage to do so. — m24
- Aliyev described the loss of voting rights as punishment for Azerbaijan's position on territorial integrity. — kommersant
- Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan is not part of any anti-Russian sanctions campaign and maintains good relations with both Russia and Ukraine. — m24
Coverage (2 sources)
- Aliev Allows Azerbaijan's Full Exit from the Council of Europe — Коммерсантъ
- Aliev Allows Azerbaijan's Full Exit from the Council of Europe — Москва 24