Mr. Diaz, you are a member of PACE Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy. As we know, this Committee on November 4, 2015 in Paris adopted the report on "Escalation of violence in Nagorno Karabakh and other occupied territories of Azerbaijan" by Rapporteur Mr. Robert Walter. What could you tell about this report?
First of all, I`d like to state that this document is a great cornerstone for Azerbaijan and the strongest argument for peace negotiations on liberating territories occupied by Armenia. The adoption of such a document indicates that the number of MPs aware of the actual situation regarding the occupied territories of Azerbaijan in PACE, has been increased, and they open-mindedly consider it their duties to support fair position of your country.
You’re one of the signatories of 3 amendments to the report. What could you tell regarding the essence of these amendments?
First, I’ve to note that my colleague Mr. Elkhan Suleymanov, MP from Azerbaijan, has exceptional role in the preparation of this important report for Azerbaijan. He worked hard on this issue for almost 3 years, achieved the appointment of rapporteur, and the resolution was prepared. He is the author of the 3 amendments. Mr. Suleymanov found some unclear points in Rapporteur Walter’s report, worked out amendments, and asked his PACE colleagues - Mr. Tadeusz Iwinski and myself to consign them. It became clear during the Committee meeting in Paris that Mr. Seyidov, Chairman of Azerbaijani delegation in PACE, also joined these amendments.
Following the amendments, the resolution notes that Azerbaijani territories are still under occupation and calls on all parties directly involved in the illegal conviction of Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev by unrecognised “courts” in Nagorno-Karabakh and their continuing imprisonment there, to ensure their immediate release by the occupying power, Armenia. The Assembly reiterates its call on the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to draw up an action plan, in conformity with the principles of the Minsk Group, for specific support to Armenia and Azerbaijan targeted at mutual reconciliation processes and to take this resolution into account in deciding on action concerning Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Assembly strongly condemns the lack of cooperation by the Armenian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly and the government of Armenia in the preparation of this report. The Assembly considers that such behaviour is in breach of Armenia’s commitments as a member of the Council of Europe and resolves to consider what measures can be taken in this instance and to ensure that its Rapporteurs are not hindered in the future in the pursuit of their mandates.
The resolution will be on the agenda of PACE 2016 January session for consideration. For your opinion, would the actions of Armenian Government be effective in blocking this document?
As I mentioned before, the corporation and efforts by your country with PACE and other international organizations already have positive results. Many European MPs and politicians are getting aware of the real situation on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Therefore, surely, I can note that in spite of the efforts by Armenian Government, the resolution will be approved.
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