On October 3, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry issued a response to remarks made by Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis during an October 2 session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Azerbaijan called Landsbergis' statements, which suggested an impasse in cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe, “completely groundless and unacceptable.”

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry emphasized that it was not Azerbaijan that halted the dialogue with PACE. Instead, it pointed to the suspension of the Azerbaijani delegation’s powers within PACE, which had been supported by 76 parliamentarians. The Ministry stated that this suspension was a violation of the Council of Europe's charter and an overreach by PACE. Despite these actions, Azerbaijan has remained open to dialogue through various channels, expressing genuine interest in resolving the situation. The Ministry also criticized Lithuania, which currently chairs the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, for “showing indifference” to Azerbaijan’s suspension from PACE.

The Ministry condemned what it described as a “growing bias against Azerbaijan” in PACE, particularly since Azerbaijan’s territorial reclamation from Armenian occupation. It asserted that such biases are aimed at undermining Azerbaijan's position, which is grounded in international law and justice. The Ministry insisted that Azerbaijan’s rightful representation in PACE must be restored without restrictions.

Addressing the ban on the entry of certain PACE deputies into Azerbaijan, the Ministry defended the decision as being within Azerbaijan’s sovereign rights and consistent with national legislation, which mirrors the laws of many other Council of Europe member states. It emphasized that Azerbaijan is not obliged to admit parliamentarians who refuse to recognize its representation in PACE.

In response to Minister Landsbergis’ criticism of Azerbaijan's human rights record, the Ministry firmly rejected any suggestion that basic rights and freedoms are restricted in the country. It stated that all rights are fully respected according to national laws and the European Convention on Human Rights, adding that legally justified investigations should not be mischaracterized as "sanctions restricting freedom of expression."

Finally, the Ministry rebuked Landsbergis for “ignoring the rights of over 300,000 Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia while commenting on the protection of Armenians who have voluntarily relocated from the Karabakh region.” The statement concluded by advising the Lithuanian minister to focus on his responsibilities and encourage PACE to restore dialogue and cooperation with Azerbaijan rather than taking a biased stance.