Azernews.Az

The Azerbaijani government has strongly condemned a critical resolution on human rights in Azerbaijan passed by the European Parliament, labeling it as ``unjust and biased``.

``This document, adopted by a small number of members of the European Parliament at a time of the Eurovision song contest in the country, without a thorough examination of the situation in Azerbaijan, is a blow to the image and impartiality of this institution,`` Foreign Ministry spokesman Elman Abdullayev told a press briefing last Friday. ``All allegations against Azerbaijan made in the resolution are absurd, biased and unacceptable.``

The resolution, adopted by the EU lawmakers, called for an ``immediate stop to all actions aimed at suppressing the freedom of expression and assembly`` in Azerbaijan. There is also a call for the immediate release from prison or pre-trial detention of six journalists.

Abdullayev said the passage of the resolution is part of a campaign carried out against Azerbaijan, adding that by adopting this document, the European Parliament calls into question its transparency and objectivity.

``Why do MEPs keep silent about anti-Semitism and xenophobia in European countries?`` Abdullayev said.

He added that suitable conditions have been provided in Azerbaijan for the opposition to act freely.

The resolution also condemns radical Islamists` threats against participants and spectators of Eurovision 2012 song contest, in particular, individuals belonging to the LGBT community.

Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani parliament (Milli Majlis) issued a protest against the EP`s resolution.

The letter of protest, issued Tuesday, says the parliament of Azerbaijan met the resolution with ``a sense of regret and concern``.

``Hasty adoption of the document with the participation of 56 European Parliament members is regarded as contrary to the spirit of constructive cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Parliament.

``Euronest Parliamentary Assembly was created last year for the development of this cooperation. However, the adopted resolution makes Azerbaijan`s cooperation with this organization useless,`` the document says.

The protest will be sent to the MPs who did not participate in the passage of the resolution.

Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov told a Milli Majlis sitting Tuesday that a letter of protest was also sent to the head of the European Parliament.

``The main reason of the European Parliament`s hastily adopted resolution is that some forces cannot reconcile with Azerbaijan`s success in holding a highly successful Eurovision song contest in Baku. Certain forces worry about Azerbaijan`s development.``

Asadov said that the EP resolution was adopted under the influence of the Armenian lobby. ``Several international organizations have launched an anti-Azerbaijani campaign, but no one can force us to turn away from our path.``

Several MPs even urged to reconsider Azerbaijan`s relations with the European Parliament.