Azernews.Az

BAKU – European Parliament chief Jerzy Buzek during a visit to Azerbaijan Friday will provide an explanation to the government over the European Parliament’s recent resolution severely criticizing the country's human rights record, head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan has said.

Roland Kobia told reporters that the European Parliament is an independent entity that criticizes even the European Union member states.

He voiced hope that the critical resolution would not tarnish relations between Baku and Brussels, as this document, just like the statement expressing MPs’ protest passed in the Azerbaijani parliament on Tuesday, is "a manifestation of open dialog".

"So, despite our differences, we can hold discussions and share our views. Such dialog is beneficial for both sides," Kobia said.

The EP resolution, issued in Strasbourg last week, condemned what it called the worsening human rights situation in Azerbaijan. The European MPs expressed "deep concern" over the alleged crackdown on opposition protests and blamed the authorities for "increasing harassment and intimidation" of journalists and political activists.

In response to the resolution, which drew fire from Azerbaijani officials and lawmakers, the country’s parliament adopted an appeal to the EP saying its decision was "disappointing" and sought to overshadow the democratic development ongoing in Azerbaijan.