DISINFO: PACE used as a tool against Azerbaijan
SUMMARY
Like the European Union, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is hostile towards [Azerbaijan]. It seems that today, the European institutions and organisations manage their policies regarding Azerbaijan from only one centre.
Fearing the 44-day war and subsequent victories of [Azerbaijan], the Council of Europe makes many unsuccessful attempts. The Council, which follows the policy of double standards, has become a tool in the hands of some forces. Therefore, these resolutions are ordered. These pro-Armenian circles are conducting a smear campaign against Azerbaijan. For some reason, the institution does not condemn the occupying Armenia for its actions against the main values and principles of the Council of Europe.
RESPONSE
Recurrent anti-western disinformation narrative discrediting the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), as well as the European Union as being partisan and against Azerbaijan.
PACE operates on the principles of upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, which are core values of the Council of Europe.
In January 2024, PACE resolved not to ratify the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation, concluding that the country has “not fulfilled major commitments” stemming from its joining the Council of Europe 20 years ago.
“Very serious concerns remain as to [Azerbaijan’s] ability to conduct free and fair elections, the separation of powers, the weakness of its legislature vis-à-vis the executive, the independence of the judiciary and respect for human rights, as illustrated by numerous judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and opinions of the Venice Commission,” the Assembly said in a resolution, based on a report by Mogens Jensen (Denmark, SOC). The resolution was adopted today with 76 votes in favour, 10 against and 4 abstentions.
PACE monitors and assesses the human rights situation in all member states, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, through its various mechanisms.
PACE's monitoring mechanisms and rapporteurs engage with authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan to discuss concerns and offer recommendations for reforms. They have expressed support for efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through diplomatic means and have called for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
It is important to note that PACE's role is not to condemn individual member states but rather to promote dialogue, cooperation, and adherence to Council of Europe principles.
See more cases of disinformation such as: The US and its satellite PACE are interfering in the 2024 Russian elections, PACE creates the basis for the Belarusian scenario in Moldova, PACE manifests double standards.