BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. The Ministry of
Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan is firmly condemning and
rejecting the attempt by the Spokesperson of the French Ministry
for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in a statement dated 17 September,
to justify the travel warning for Azerbaijan by citing allegations
on “risks of arbitrary detention and unfair trial."
This was stated in a commentary by MFA Spokesperson Aykhan
Hajizada regarding the position expressed by the spokesperson for
the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on the travel
advisory for Azerbaijan.
The commentary noted that presenting judicial proceedings
conducted in accordance with Azerbaijani legislation in individual
criminal cases on the basis of political considerations, as well as
attempts to interfere in Azerbaijan’s judicial system, are
unacceptable.
"It cannot go unnoticed that France, while making such
allegations against Azerbaijan, fails to consider the problems
existing within its own law enforcement and penitentiary systems.
Furthermore, France’s violations of international law, as well as
its practices involving racism, discrimination, and restrictions on
human rights, are well known to all.
We call upon the French side to refrain from groundless and
biased allegations against Azerbaijan, to respect the sovereignty
and internal affairs of our country, and to put an end to
approaches that harm bilateral relations," the commentary pointed
out.
