Goncharenko: Azerbaijan’s future is with Europe, not outside it - VIDEO | News. az
Speaking during a debate at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Ukrainian parliamentarian Oleksii Goncharenko stressed that his position should not be seen as disregard for democracy, human. . .
Speaking during a debate at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Ukrainian parliamentarian Oleksii Goncharenko stressed that his position should not be seen as disregard for democracy, human rights or the rule of law. “I do care about democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. And that is why I will not vote for this report today,” he said,News. Azreports. According to the Ukrainian lawmaker, the key question is what political result the report is expected to achieve. He warned that adopting such a document could only deepen the gap between Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe. RECOMMENDED STORIESThree injured in Russian attack on Kherson marketRussia launches mass drone strike on Ukraine's Naftogaz energy gridElectric scooter collision injures teenage girls in Ukraine’s Kharkiv regionTamila Tasheva: Azerbaijan’s role in the Council of Europe remains important -VIDEO“If our aim is to get rid of Azerbaijan from this organization, then we are on the right way with this report,” Goncharenko stated, adding that everyone understands what reaction may follow from theAzerbaijanigovernment. He noted that Europe should act responsibly at a time when Azerbaijan and Armenia have a historic chance to achieve lasting peace after decades of conflict. In his view, the Council of Europe could play a constructive role as a guarantor of peace in the South Caucasus rather than becoming a platform for further confrontation. “For decades we witnessed war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Now we have a historical chance for long-lasting peace in the South Caucasus,” he said. Goncharenko acknowledged that issues related to democracy, human rights and the rule of law exist in Azerbaijan, but stressed that such challenges are also present in many other countries, including Ukraine. He also pointed to Azerbaijan’s geopolitical position, saying that Baku is not aligned with what he described as the axis of Moscow and Tehran. “Azerbaijan today is on the right side of the only line which matters right now — the axis of Moscow and Tehran. And Azerbaijan doesn’t want to be there,” the Ukrainian MP said. Addressing the Azerbaijani people, Goncharenko described himself as a friend of Azerbaijan and urged the country to remain engaged with Europe. “Your future is also with Europe. Be part of this organization. It is very important for you,” he said. The Ukrainian lawmaker concluded that both Europe and Azerbaijan would benefit from continued dialogue, adding that Azerbaijan’s place should be inside the broader European framework, not outside it. News. AzBy Aysel Mammadzada