MEP called on Azerbaijan to release Armenian prisoners of war and  hostages ahead of COP 29

ArmInfo. Ahead of the UN Climate Summit (COP 29) in Baku, Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser called on the Azerbaijani authorities to guarantee the territorial integrity of Armenia, preserve the Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh and release political prisoners.

As the MP reported in his Twitter microblog (X), he sent a letter to the Azerbaijani Ambassador to the EU with the corresponding appeal.  The letter reads, in particular: "In November, the 29th UN Climate Change Conference will be held in Baku in November. This is a significant event, and the attention of the international community will be focused on your country and its prestigious capital. You are no doubt aware of the many concerns raised by the conflicts that took place during previous years in your region, especially the Azeri offensive in September 2023 in Nagorno-Karabakh and the subsequent developments. COP 29 will certainly be an occasion to address these issues, among others, with the High representatives of your country. I share many of these concerns and sincerely hope that the reinforced diplomatic activity around the upcoming UN conference in Baku will help ease some of the most urgent problems. I would, in particular, encourage your Authorities to put renewed efforts in the peace process with Armenia. I remain deeply preoccupied by the possibility of further violations of Armenia's territorial integrity and would wholeheartedly encourage your High Authorities to conclude, at the earliest possible date, a peace agreement with your esteemed colleagues in Yerevan. Furthermore, I would welcome the commitment of your High Authorities to preserve the Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh," the MP noted.

In conclusion, he drew attention to the fact that a number of personalities are being held in custody in Azerbaijan on grounds that are vividly disputed.  "I would like to join my voice to those who respectfully ask the Highest Authorities of Azerbaijan to release these persons and thus contribute to a substantial improvement of the overall situation in your region," the MEP wrote, listing the names of 23 Armenian prisoners of war and civilians, including representatives of the military-political leadership of Artsakh.