YEREVAN. – PACE had to impose sanctions against Azerbaijan long ago and much more serious than the decision not to hold meetings in Baku for two years, member of Armenian delegation to PACE Naira Zohrabyan said.

The MP commented for Armenian News-NEWS.am the Assembly's recent decision no to hold committee meetings in Baku for two years after Azerbaijan denied visa to PACE Vice President Rene Rouquet.

Zohrabyan noted that PACE have been recently using the services of Azerbaijan and Turkey gladly. Here and there we can see different meetings, and the reason is that Azerbaijan and Turkey assume all costs willingly.

“And now, in connection with the incident, when PACE Vice President was banned from entering Baku, they deprive themselves of a 'pleasure' to visit Baku for two years,” she said, adding that the European side should pay more attention to the numerous shameful cases of human rights violations in Azerbaijan.

“Dozens of journalists are imprisoned for their political views, not to mention public figures,” Zohrabyan added.

The MP emphasized that the upcoming PACE session promises heated debates.

“Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov are expected to take the floor as representatives of a country presiding over Comittee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Serious issues related to Azerbaijan will be discussed,” MP said.