The Serbian delegation to the PACE has lodged an official appeal with PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos, voicing their opposition to the resolution that did not ratify the credentials of Azerbaijan’s delegation. It says: “We are deeply convinced that the decision is a step back from genuine dialogue within the PACE, only contributing to the ongoing polarization. It is also an illustration of deepening degradation of values inside the Assembly.”
Moreover, according to the Serbian MPs, “it is also a serious blow to the reputation of the Assembly and the Council of Europe in general, as well as a neglect of the cooperative spirit that they espouse,” and “it leads to distancing of the Council from matters concerning the South Caucasus region, including those directly related to the mandate of the organization, which cannot be regarded being in the best interest of this organization.” Members of the Serbian National Assembly highlighted the key points clearly, drew “red lines” and refreshed the political ABCs for the Council of Europe.
By sending this appeal to the PACE leadership, Serbia acted, first of all, as a country that respects international law and the values of the civilized world, and secondly, as a true friend of Azerbaijan, which Baku undoubtedly appreciates.
It should be noted, however, that Azerbaijan expects a similar step from other states that consider themselves friends of our country, primarily Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Romania… Voting in PACE on the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation was a test of their own declarations and promises for many, and to say that not everyone passed it with flying colors is to say nothing.
Furthermore, let us recall once again: at the discussion of that scandalous resolution in the PACE, Azerbaijan was being punished precisely for restoring its territorial integrity by military means. And the delegates from Georgia, Ukraine or Moldova can hardly fail to realize to what extent this matter concerns their own countries. Understandably, they do not dare to inflame relations with the West on whose support they rely.
But this is the same West that has been playing a not very fair behind-the-scenes game in the South Caucasus for decades. This is the same West that for more than a quarter of a century has been stealthily pushing Azerbaijan to give up Karabakh.
Of course, our country was never told this explicitly. We were quietly advised to “accept the reality brought about by the war”, “not to demand too much”, and, in general, to be a good boy. The West pursued a similar policy towards Serbia, which was forced to give up Kosovo. But, we reiterate, Azerbaijan has restored its sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders by military means. And now those who did not expect such a twist from our country can only resort to petty tricks.
The “quiet war” against Serbia continues in a similar fashion. The recent parliamentary election and the clashes that erupted in its wake give much food for thought here: too many people do not like the fact that the current Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is pursuing an independent policy and defending the interests of his own country.
And the recent events in PACE have certainly demonstrated once again the degree of degradation of European institutions. Perhaps not everyone, like the Serbian delegates, would dare to say this diagnosis out loud. But the whole problem is that this degradation will not go away if the unpleasant facts are hushed up. And yes, this is not a problem of Azerbaijan or Serbia, this is a problem of the Council of Europe.
