That’s right. For there is no double standard to speak of, as this word is too shallow to be used as an assessment of the EU statement.
Yes, the EU pointed out that the so-called “presidential elections” in Khankandi do not comply with any constitutional and legal norms”. The logical continuation of this statement would be phrases about respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. Or an appeal to all other countries and organizations not to recognize these “elections” and to condemn their organizers.
I will demonstrate how in theory this can be, I will illustrate it with the example of the statement by United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, which was published on September 7 on the website of the United States Department of State. It was clearly stated there that the United States would impose sanctions against individuals who support sham elections in the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia, including so-called international observers.
Nothing of the kind was done by the EU with regard to the show called “elections” organized by the Garabagh separatists. And this is already a double morality. But the EU decided to go even further. They said something that makes one wonder whether this text was written by a representative of the unscathed junta in Garabagh.
Judge for yourself: “At the same time, the EU believes that it is important for Garabagh Armenians to consolidate around a de facto leadership that is able and willing to engage in result-oriented discussions with Baku. The EU is committed to supporting this process.” And this is open support for the separatist junta. This is the encouragement of separatism. This is inciting the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.
I am sure that the Khankendi junta will take these speeches of the representative of the EU foreign policy service as a kind of indulgence. As an appeal to Baku to build relations with the Garabagh junta, i.e. with those who openly declare their unwillingness to respect the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and its Constitution.
And all this is happening against the background of the fact that the European Council President Charles Michel is trying to play the role of a communicator between Baku and Yerevan. In fact, we see a huge blow to his reputation as well. For what? For the sake of whom? Is it for the sake of pleasing the world Armenians and Garabagh separatists! If so, then the authors of such a statement have committed more than a crime against international law, against morality and ethics. They have made a mistake. Which will have far-reaching consequences for relations between Azerbaijan and the EU.
Elchin Lasi-zada
Caliber.Az