Head of the Council of Europe's Baku Office Summoned to Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The head of the Council of Europe's Baku Office, Peter Zich, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, where a strong protest was expressed to him in connection with the recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in a case against Azerbaijan.

This information was disseminated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"It was emphasized that this decision is unjust, biased, and contradicts the provisions of international law.

It was noted that in the judgment in the case of "Chiragov and Others v. Armenia" of June 16, 2016, the fact of the actual occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia was established, as well as the existence of an occupation regime thanks to direct military and financial support from Armenia. In this regard, it was stated that the use of the designation "NKR" ("Nagorno-Karabakh Republic") in the current decision in reference to the said territories as an independent entity contradicts international law and judicial procedures.

Furthermore, concern was expressed over the use in the said decision of terminology contradicting the internationally recognized sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. It was stated that such formulations as "the line of contact between Azerbaijan and the NKR," as well as references to the army, authorities, prosecutor general, and ombudsman of the self-proclaimed regime, constitute an attempt to legitimize the former illegal separatist regime.

During the meeting, it was brought to the interlocutor's attention that the Republic of Azerbaijan firmly rejects this court decision, and the Azerbaijani side will consider all possible means to protect its legitimate interests and will take appropriate steps," the statement said.