E. Nalbandian: Armenophobia became common occurrence in Azerbaijan

Armenophobia, intolerance and discrimination have become a common occurrence in Azerbaijan, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said in the National Assembly today in response to the Heritage faction deputy Tevan Poghosian’s question about persecution of reporters and human rights activists Azerbaijan.

Tevan Poghosian said that in a few weeks Azerbaijan will assume the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, whereas both human rights abuses and free speech violations were reported in the country in recent days.

“Do you intend to bring up that problem at the Council of Europe and what measures are you planning to take?” the deputy asked Nalbandian.

Edward Nalbandian replied that CE officials expressed their concern over the problem. Moreover, within a week the CE Commissioner for Human Rights made two statements concerning the deterioration of democratic freedoms situation in Azerbaijan and urged the authorities to honor their international human rights obligations.

“We know perfectly that Armenophobia has become a common occurrence in Azerbaijan, which does that important structure no credit,” E. Nalbandian said.