Baku: President Ilham Aliyev has launched a scathing critique against the European Parliament, labeling it as a "nest of corrupt figures," during a meeting with international conference participants in Baku, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev expressed his frustrations, recounting Azerbaijan's long-standing efforts to communicate its grievances to European organizations over the past 30 years. He highlighted his own role dating back to 2001 when he was a deputy of the Milli Majlis and led Azerbaijan's delegation upon its membership in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan's demands were never aggressive; rather, they sought a political acknowledgment of the injustices they faced. Instead of receiving support, Azerbaijan was met with a tarnished reputation and ongoing media campaigns aimed at discrediting the nation.

Aliyev further criticized the Council of Europe for its double standards, pointing out the absence of sanctions against Armenia despite Azerbaijan's liberation of Garabagh in September 2023. He noted that instead, the Council imposed sanctions on Azerbaijan, showcasing what he described as the true face of European politics. President Aliyev also accused the European Parliament of covering up corruption scandals, referencing a case involving a Greek deputy and former vice-president whose alleged misconduct went unpunished. He concluded by asserting that the European Parliament is characterized by Islamophobia, urging for continued scrutiny of its actions.