BAKU – Azerbaijani MP Soltan Mammadov defended Azerbaijan’s decision to place certain foreign MPs on a list of “undesirable persons,” following their votes against the Azerbaijani delegation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, this action reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests while adhering to international obligations. He criticized Frank Schwabe, a member of the German Bundestag, accusing him of bias and disrespect towards Azerbaijan’s sovereignty. “Every state has the sovereign right to decide who may enter its territory,” Mammadov emphasized, pointing out that the non-invitation of PACE observers to monitor the Milli Majlis elections was a direct consequence of PACE not restoring the Azerbaijani delegation’s mandate despite prior commitments.

Mammadov also highlighted Azerbaijan’s role on the international stage, noting its successful hosting of COP29 and adherence to its strategic principles. He expressed frustration with the criticism from certain international quarters, suggesting that such critics should introspect about their own biases rather than question Azerbaijan’s integrity and policies.