Top Investment Manager Reveals: Azerbaijani President Rejects “Disgusting” Letter from U.S. Lawmakers Criticizing Human Rights Record Ahead of COP29 Climate Conference
By Nailia Bagirova
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has dismissed a letter from U.S. lawmakers as “disgusting” for criticizing his country’s human rights record and calling for the release of political prisoners before the upcoming COP29 climate conference.
The letter, signed by nearly 60 lawmakers, urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to push for the immediate release of political prisoners, hostages, and POWs, including ethnic Armenians, to create a better environment for diplomacy at COP29.
Aliyev, speaking in Jabrayil, called the letter a “disgusting appeal” that would not sway Azerbaijan’s decisions and accused it of being a threat and an accusation.
Azerbaijan’s human rights practices, including the detention of journalists and activists, are drawing increased scrutiny as it prepares to host the November climate conference.
Aliyev’s foreign policy adviser, Hikmet Hajiyev, stated that Azerbaijan’s hosting of the event should not be politicized and criticized critics for trying to divert attention from climate action.
Recent lawsuits filed on behalf of Ruben Vardanyan, a former Russian investment banker detained in Azerbaijan, allege torture, defamation, and denial of his rights to a fair trial.
Azerbaijan’s prosecutor general responded that Vardanyan’s rights were being upheld and that he had received visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing in Karabakh, a claim that Baku denies. The two countries have been in talks over a peace treaty for the past year.
Aliyev accused Armenia of insincerity in negotiations and of rearming for potential conflict, warning them to “stop these dangerous games!”
Armenia recently withdrew from border villages controlled by Azerbaijan, stating that Azerbaijan does not seem interested in signing a peace treaty.
Analysis: The article highlights the tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, focusing on human rights issues and political dynamics ahead of the COP29 climate conference. It underscores the challenges faced by both countries in achieving peace and the impact of these issues on international relations and diplomacy. Individuals should stay informed about these developments as they could have far-reaching implications on regional stability and global cooperation.