Question 1: In an interview with Politico on 23 August, Peter Stano, Spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy of the European Union (EU) noting that “detentions of independent journalists, human rights defenders and civil society representatives took place in Azerbaijan since late last year,” called for their release. We would like to know your perspectives regarding these remarks.

Answer: Such biased allegations of the EU Spokesperson regarding the human rights in our country have been repeatedly responded by us. Opinions that any Azerbaijani citizen is being prosecuted due to their political beliefs or viewpoints, or that criminal proceedings involving individuals introducing themselves as journalists or human rights advocates have political motives are fundamentally improper and unacceptable.

Detention of individuals for offenses such as treason, financing of particular illegal activities, illicit financial transactions, etc. is conducted in accordance with the requirements of the relevant criminal procedural legislations, and the process is fully transparent.

Instead of waiting for the outcomes of criminal cases and investigations, as well as court decisions, calls on Azerbaijan to release suspects are in direct contradiction with the legal procedures, an attempt to interfere with the judicial authority, and is a violation of the values promoted by the European Union.

We regretfully note that indifference by the EU to the violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms of people in a number of its member states, the loss of lives in prisons as a result of political persecution and during the protests such as “yellow vests,” as well as bloodshed in protests in New Caledonia are examples of double standards.

A number of institutions of the EU must put an end to provocations against Azerbaijan.

Question 2: In an interview with Radio Liberty dated 23 August, German MP Frank Schwabe noting that Azerbaijan is not interested in the Council of Europe membership, accused Azerbaijan in non-adhering to the values that the Council of Europe promotes, not inviting the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) as an observer at the elections to the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, and made insulting statements against the country’s leadership. How would the Foreign Ministry comment on this?

Answer: First and foremost, I would like to point out that the views regarding Azerbaijan and the country’s leadership expressed by Frank Schwabe, whose name was mentioned in a number of corruption cases and is connected with murky business links, demonstrate how biased, deceptive, and hypocritical this politician is. Opinions expressed against the political leadership of Azerbaijan, ranked among the top countries in terms of political stability, economic development, and progress, are largely viewed as a bias against the country’s achievements. At the same time, it is a fact that the efforts we have taken to liberate our lands, which have been under the occupation for almost 30 years, and the independent policies we have implemented do not align with the nefarious intentions of individuals like Schwabe, and that distress them.

Frank Schwabe is well aware that the only reason PACE observers were not invited to observe the Milli Majlis elections is that the Azerbaijani delegation’s mandate has not yet been restored, despite promises made to our country on the political level, including by the German officials.

It would be fitting for Schwabe, who expressed worry over Azerbaijan-Russia relations, to talk about the persons who collaborate with Russia in Germany and PACE, including close cooperation with Russia’s “Gazprom” corporation nowadays.

Moreover, conditioning of Azerbaijan’s presidency of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) on political motives irrelevant to this process, expressing views opposed to the essence of the fight against climate change, including our country’s commitment, once again demonstrated Schwabe’s predisposition against Azerbaijan.

Regarding Schwabe’s desire to visit Azerbaijan within the framework of COP29, it is important to note that the individuals who voted against the Azerbaijani delegation at PACE have been placed on the list of “personae non gratae.” If the aforementioned individuals are to visit Azerbaijan before our delegation’s mandate in PACE is restored, they will be denied entry into the country.

Azerbaijan is committed to its international obligations, and understands them well. Nonetheless, we reiterate once again that application of those obligations only on the basis of one-sided and double standards, and while misusing them taking prejudiced approaches towards our country will be prevented.