Parliament of Azerbaijan Reacts to the EP Resolution and Decides to Withdraw from the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly

23 September 2015

In an extraordinary session held on 14 September, Azerbaijan’s Parliament (Milli Majlis) reacted to the European Parliament (EP) resolution on Azerbaijan adopted few days earlier, on 10 September. The EP resolution addresses the deteriorating human rights situation in Azerbaijan, by raising the question of sanctions against judges and politicians involved in the persecution of citizens for political reasons and by calling on the European External Action Service and the EU Member States to abstain from sending observers to the upcoming parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.

In its resolution, the Milli Majlis condemned the “biased” character of the EP resolution, called on the EP to take a constructive position on Azerbaijan and took a number of rigid measures in response, among which the decision to withdraw from the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly - the parliamentary cooperation between the Members of the European Parliament and the parliaments of Eastern Partnership countries. The resolution also recommends the Cabinet of Ministers to reconsider the participation of Azerbaijan within the Eastern Partnership (EaP) initiative.

In reaction to the decision of the Milli Majlis to withdraw from the Euronest, Co-presidents of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly issued a statement expressing their deep regret with the taken decision. Nevertheless, Co-presidents affirmed their respect to the taken decision and reiterated their availability to openly discuss the situation with the Milli Majlis until the withdrawal has not become effective.

Euronest Parliamentary Assembly Statement

European Parliament Resolution on Azerbaijan