There is currently a crisis in international relations, the First Vice-Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan Ziyafat Asgarov said May 7, commenting on a campaign to discredit Azerbaijan in anticipation of the first European Games 2015 in Baku.

The more sincere Azerbaijan is, the more certain countries and international organizations put pressure on the country, he said.

He went on to add that a number of countries and NGOs joined the campaign to discredit Azerbaijan, which is held in anticipation of the first European Games.

“We were faced with a similar campaign a few years ago, during holding the Eurovision Song Contest,” said the first vice-speaker. “Unfortunately, those who joined the campaign intend to damage Azerbaijan’s image. But they should thank us for the fact that we have taken responsibility for holding the Games. However, we see a different attitude. All these efforts are in vain.”

Economic development and prestige on the international arena contributed to the fact that Azerbaijan has taken its place in the world, according to Asgarov.

“I believe that Azerbaijan will hold the first European Games at a very high level, and it will become a worthy response to detractors,” said the first vice-speaker. “Great leader Heydar Aliyev in the 90s once again proved the anti-Azerbaijani forces that Azerbaijan is capable to come out of chaos, build an independent and powerful state. This course is continued at present as well.”

Baku 2015 is the first-ever European Games, an exciting and innovative multi-sport event for the continent that will take place on June 12-28, 2015.

There will be a total of 20 sports at Baku 2015: 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports. More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe will be representing their nations over 17 days of competition.

Baku was awarded the games by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in December 2012.