Key facts
- Azerbaijan is contemplating a complete exit from the Council of Europe.
- President Ilham Aliyev cited the suspension of Azerbaijan's voting rights in PACE in 2024 as the reason for considering withdrawal.
- Aliyev stated that Baku has no interest in escalating tensions and views the decision to suspend voting rights as unjust.
- He indicated that the restoration of voting rights for the Azerbaijani delegation is a prerequisite for their return to PACE.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev announced on Monday that the country is considering a full withdrawal from the 46-member Council of Europe. The decision stems from the suspension of Azerbaijan's voting rights in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in 2024, which Aliyev described as an unjust and regrettable move.
In his opening address at the fourth Shusha Global Media Forum, Aliyev stated, "I say openly that Azerbaijan is considering full withdrawal from the organisation." He clarified that this contemplation goes beyond mere suspension or freezing of membership, indicating a definitive consideration of leaving the structure entirely. Aliyev recalled leading Azerbaijan's delegation to PACE in 2001 and expressed regret over the deteriorating relations, emphasizing Baku's lack of interest in deepening tensions.
Aliyev stressed that the restoration of voting rights for the Azerbaijani delegation is a condition for their return. "We have not taken any wrong steps. They have made an unjust decision. Therefore, they must step back and acknowledge their mistakes," he asserted. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe has reportedly contacted Aliyev, urging Azerbaijan not to withdraw and to seek solutions to improve the situation.