By voting for Russia Azerbaijan sacrificed national interests - Rasul Jafarov

After the return of the Russian delegation to PACE some opinions are voiced about the inefficiency of this organization in protecting the interests of the participating countries. Russia left PACE after being punished in 2014 by deprivation of a vote for the occupation of part of Ukrainian territory.

Human rights activist Rasul Jafarov answered Turan's questions about inviting Russia to PACE to participate in the work of this organization.

- How do you assess the Azerbaijani delegation to the PACE, which joined the majority and voted for the return of Russia to this organization?

- At first glance, the voting of the Azerbaijani delegation for the return of Russia in the political sense looks like a correct step. That is, a message was given that we want the representation of all European countries in PACE, this is a constructive political approach, people would rather argue in parliament buildings than fight, etc. However, the entire conflict of PACE with Russia was based on the violation by the Russian Federation of the principle of the territorial integrity of states. It left PACE because PACE deprived the Russian delegation of the right to vote. The Russian Federation was punished for ignoring the principle of territorial integrity and other international obligations in relation to the member state of the Council of Europe, that is, Ukraine.

Azerbaijan is currently spreading its fair position around the world, that our territorial integrity and borders must be inviolable in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. However, by voting against Ukraine, Azerbaijan creates an image of an unserious state and gives additional arguments to the aggressor.

Therefore, the last vote leads causes questions and is alarming. In any case, the ruling party and official Baku should follow the principle of Azerbaijan"s territorial integrity and inviolability of borders. This is required by the national interests of the state.

- A similar question concerns Georgia, which is now again in conflict with Russia because of violations of its borders by the Russian army. Azerbaijan has not expressed a position on this conflict. Is our silence policy give winning Armenia?

- Exactly the same situation as in the Ukrainian version is observed in the attitude of official Baku to the Georgian-Russian conflict. Unfortunately, we lack solidarity with countries that are in the same position as ours, although we could show it as a real step in our interests.

- Minister of Defense Z. Hasanov said that the international situation does not allow the army to start a war for the liberation of Karabakh. President I.Aliyev said that international law is dead. Should Azerbaijan in this reality support Russia?

- If international law finally died, Azerbaijan would be all occupied now and probably would not be able to implement oil and gas projects. For me, the argument is clear, which is that with we have to v be careful with Russia, and take into account protecting national interests.

- Do you think we should start a war with Armenia or wait for the international situation to change in our favor?

- Before fight we must restore democratic institutions in the country, remove corruption and monopoly in the economy. Without this, we will not be allowed to wage war.

On June 26, 2019, 116 parliamentarians voted for the return of Russia to PACE, 62 voted against, and 15 delegates abstained from voting. Thus, the Russian delegation returned to the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. "Russia remains in PACE as a full-fledged participant, without any restrictions," said Tini Cox, the representative of the Netherlands, the head of the United European Left in the Assembly.--0--