Baku: Azerbaijan has summoned the European Union ambassador to formally present a note of protest regarding the recent resolution adopted by the European Parliament. The clauses within the resolution, dated April 30, were condemned by Azerbaijan for being unfounded and biased against the nation.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the Azerbaijani representatives criticized the resolution for distorting realities and contradicting the principles of objectivity, along with undermining the obligations to respect state sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Azerbaijani side expressed concerns that the European Parliament’s stance is negatively impacting the normalization process in the region and the future of Azerbaijan-EU relations.
The Azerbaijani officials described the resolution’s claims about the return of Armenian residents to the Garabagh region as entirely groundless, labeling such calls as interference in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs. It was emphasized that Armenian residents left the region voluntarily in accordance with the reintegration plan presented in 2023, as per the Constitution of Azerbaijan, and any contrary statements are inaccurate.
During the meeting, it was also argued that calls for the release of individuals of Armenian origin, presented as ‘prisoners of war’, are legally indefensible. The Azerbaijani side noted its humanitarian approach in releasing many detainees and pursuing confidence-building measures, while clarifying that those still imprisoned were convicted of serious crimes such as terrorism, sabotage, and war crimes.
Furthermore, the Azerbaijani side rejected claims about the ‘destruction of cultural and religious heritage’ as baseless. It was highlighted that European institutions have overlooked the large-scale destruction and desecration of Azerbaijan’s cultural and religious heritage during the occupation period.
The European Union was urged to avoid actions that could damage Azerbaijan-EU relations and the peace and normalization process in the region.