The credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation were not approved at the first meeting of the Winter Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The proposal of German MP Frank Schwabe, who is under the influence of the Armenian lobby, to not approve the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation was supported. Although the Azerbaijani delegation participated in the meetings, their right to vote was restricted.

Dr. Ahmad Shahidov, a human rights defender who closely participated in the PACE Winter Session, told Akit Television that this decision of the PACE is a continuation of France’s biased policy against Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan may refuse PACE membership in response.