Using Karabakh conflict as a shield for Azerbaijani human rights record is not serious or helpful, head of U.S. mission to OSCE Daniel Baer tweeted.
His comment came in response to the statement by Azerbaijani delegated during the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) of OSCE.
Ahmad Shahidov, Head of the Azerbaijani Institute for Democracy and Human Rights, being angered by constant criticism against his government started speculating on Azerbaijani side’s beloved topic of “million of refugees and refugees kept by Armenia”.
“Azerbaijan GONGO introduces himself as human rights defender, says that criticism of his government is not appreciated,” Baer tweeted.
U.S. Ambassador noted that serious discussion of human cost of conflict affecting Armenia and Azerbaijan is important, but using conflict as a shield for Azerbaijani rights record is not serious.
He added that saying that cause of civil society crackdown in Azerbaijan is lack of trust between government and international community is equal to putting a cart before horse.
Earlier in his statement U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Berschinski said Azerbaijan continues imposing restrictions against civil society institutions.