Anti-Azerbaijan campaign originates from political jealousy, says MP
By Mushvig Mehdiyev
Hearings were held at the Azerbaijani Parliament on an anti-Azerbaijan campaign aiming to discredit the country and attempting to harm its international authority on the eve of the first European Games.
MPs, heads of NGOs, media outlets, as well as public figures attended the hearings held on May 13.
Addressing the event, Chairman of the Council of State Support to NGOs under the President of Azerbaijan, MP Azay Guliyev said that the first European Games are a great success in Azerbaijan's history.
"Such credence is not given to every country. The potential and experience in holding such major competitions are not possessed by every country. Azerbaijan is a young country and it will organize such an important event. The campaign, carried out in this regard against the country, originates from political jealousy," he said.
He said Azerbaijan has claimed responsibility for holding the Games in good faith adding that Europeans have supported the holding of such a significant event.
"However, unfortunately, there is a different attitude towards the country. A lot of factors, including geopolitical issues, political jealousy and others are the reasons standing behind that of negative attitudes," he noted.
Assessing the statements made during hearings on Azerbaijan at the European Parliament, Guliyev dismissed them as "unfounded".
In a retaliatory speech against the EP's blaming Azerbaijan for prohibiting the arrival of foreign journalists in the country, Guliyev said "some 1,500 foreign journalists have been registered to cover the first European Games and they will come to the country."
"The members of the European Parliament turn to vile actions to slander Azerbaijan on the eve of the first European Games and do this consistently,” Vice-Speaker of the Parliament, Valeh Alasgarov said.
He claimed that there is a certain center controlling such actions.
"Scoundrels and traitors such as Alikram Humbatov have been recently invited at hearings at the European Parliament. This testifies to the goals they pursue," Alasgarov noted.
"Azerbaijan pursues an independent policy. The country does not need to learn from anyone," he said.
Alasgarov said Azerbaijan conducts its independent policy despite exerted pressures from abroad, adding that "there are enough opportunities for European politicians to co-operate with Azerbaijan."
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