Azerbaijan’s President Expresses Intent to Exit Council of Europe
Poinews.com – Azerbaijan’s leader, Ilham Aliyev, has hinted at the possibility of the nation fully withdrawing from the Council of Europe during his address at the Shusha Global Media Forum. Speaking on Monday, Aliyev noted that Baku is evaluating “not just the suspension or freezing of our membership” but a complete departure from the organization. He emphasized that the decision to leave the structure is being considered with clarity.
“We are unequivocally considering leaving that structure,” Aliyev stated.
The Council of Europe, a 46-member human rights organization independent of the European Union, oversees the European Court of Human Rights. While Azerbaijan remains a full member, its delegation’s voting rights at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) were suspended in 2024. Aliyev recalled his role as head of Azerbaijan’s PACE delegation in 2001, expressing regret over the worsening ties. He argued that Baku has no desire to increase regional tensions.
Aliyev also highlighted recent diplomatic efforts, citing visits by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kalllas. He called these interactions “significant” and underscored the importance of maintaining dialogue. The president added that the Council of Europe’s leadership has urged Azerbaijan to “find a way to improve the situation,” as per his account.
“The secretary general of the Council of Europe contacted me and asked us not to do this,” Aliyev explained.
Context and Future Steps
Azerbaijan joined the Council of Europe in 2001. Aliyev reiterated that the nation has not committed any errors, blaming the Council for an “unjust decision.” He urged Brussels to “step back and acknowledge their mistakes,” while stressing the need for mutual understanding. “They must restore the voting rights of our delegation. After that, the Azerbaijani delegation will return,” he asserted.
In a separate note, Aliyev addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, expressing hope that recent escalations would not persist. “I hope that this current eruption of conflict will not last long,” he said, advocating for a peace rooted in international law. “Lasting peace must be just and fair,” he added, calling on neighboring states to demonstrate responsibility and avoid further provocation.
Shusha Global Media Forum Focus
The Shusha Global Media Forum, themed “The Mission of the Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust,” gathered journalists, editors, and policymakers to examine media’s role in conflict resolution and combating misinformation. Sessions on media diplomacy and reporting in post-war societies were among the topics discussed on the first day of the event.
