President Aliyev: European structures hold dirty campaign against Azerbaijan in last year

Azerbaijan, Baku, July 19 / Trend / Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that his visit to the European Union in the last quarter is very important. The Head of State said it making an opening speech at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on Thursday, dedicated to the socio-economic development in the first half of 2013 and the upcoming challenges. "This is my fifth visit to the European Commission as a president. Over the last ten years, I have paid five visits there. These visits indicate that relations are at a high level. But this visit was also very important. Especially if to consider that in the last year some European structures held a dirty campaign against Azerbaijan. I can say that the campaign has not stopped. Over the last decade, this campaign periodically revives or calms down. But as a trend, as a direction we see it constantly. Last year, the campaign turned into a very ugly one. It is enough to say that last year the European Parliament passed three anti-Azerbaijani resolutions. However, the same people were involved in making these resolutions, while the European Parliament consists of 750 MPs. Twenty, thirty and forty people were involved in making these resolutions. Of course, their opinion does not reflect the opinion of the European Parliament. However, they are using some procedural void, seeking to pass such resolutions," President Aliyev said. In fact, it is not even worth talking about it, because in Azerbaijan no one pays attention to such resolutions, and they cannot affect the activity, he said. "However, as a trend, of course, we should note it. Presidential Administration and Milli Majlis provide tangible answers them. I do not want to say much about it. I just want to say that over the past year anti-Azerbaijani forces, pro-Armenian forces, which do not accept successful development of Azerbaijan, have stepped up their activities against Azerbaijan. And it is probably natural. Since the successful development of our country, especially its development in the years of crisis, the independent policy of our country and our specific position on every international issue do not satisfy everyone. At the same time stability, lovely atmosphere, great mood reigning in Azerbaijan, for sure, do not gladden those who live today in crisis conditions. Therefore, my visit to the European Union was of special importance, if to take into account that the anti-Azerbaijani forces exist in the Council of Europe, too. Indeed, they are a minority. Azerbaijan's active work in recent years and the growth of its international authority, of course, led to the fact that many international organizations have obtained complete information about Azerbaijan. But there are still prejudiced people, parliamentarians who do not accept Azerbaijan's success, and they are systematically trying to make attacks on Azerbaijan," President Aliyev said. Last attempt in the Council of Europe was made in January of this year. "During the discussions of a report of the so-called "political prisoners" absolute majority of the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe said "No" to this dirty initiative, and rejected this vile report. Parliamentarians of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe have defended the truth, justice, and raised their voice against double standards. As the appearance of this defame report was the sign of the principle of double standards. We see that in some countries the trend of Islamophobia is developing. Unfortunately, these trends are on the rise and are going in a negative direction. I always raise this issue at various meetings, as this makes us anxious," President Aliyev said. He said Azerbaijan cooperates with the European institutions for many years. "We are a member of the Council of Europe for more than ten years. We efficiently cooperate with the European Union, but there are such trends. So, one should determine today in what form this cooperation will continue in the future. We see that the general picture, of course, is positive and phenomena that I mentioned are of individual character. But there are such trends and we have to see it and talk about it. Therefore, my visit to the European Union was of special importance. We had to clarify many issues. We had to clarify how we will work together in the future, what the format of cooperation will be and how Azerbaijan's interests will be secured? I believe that my visit to the European Union and holding sincere meetings with the head of the European Union were very positive. I am very pleased with this visit. Many issues have been clarified and I believe that even more perfect ground for further cooperation has been created," President Aliyev said. Every country, if it integrates into any structure, must know why it integrates. It is impossible to integrate blindfold, he said. "I believe that in the coming years the relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union will develop and acquire strategic character. Anyway, it is our desire. But, I would like once again say that, these links must be based on mutual interest and mutual respect," President Aliyev said. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az