Blinken Congratulates Azerbaijan's Independence Day, Highlights Peace, Democracy, COP29
Blinken Congratulates Azerbaijan's Independence Day, Highlights Peace, Democracy, COP29
The top U.S. diplomat on Monday welcomed the progress towards what he describes as "a durable and dignified peace" between Armenia and Azerbaijan, noting that Washington 'continues' to stand ready to support these efforts, to turn the page on the longstanding conflict, and to build a better future.
"We are fully committed to this goal, which will enhance connectivity and deliver economic benefits to the entire region," Secretary of State Antoni Blinken said in a statement on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day.
"On this important holiday in honor of Azerbaijan’s independence, I reaffirm the United States’ support for Azerbaijan’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty," Bliken noted. "On behalf of the United States of America, I wish the people of Azerbaijan a happy Independence Day."
The Secretary went on to add that the U.S. values relationship with Azerbaijan, having built a partnership over the last 32 years on mutual interests relating to security and energy cooperation.
"We appreciate the opportunity to deepen our engagement in these areas, and also on increasingly critical global issues, such as climate change and the green energy transition. The United States welcomes Azerbaijan hosting COP29 in Baku, and we look forward to working closely together with the government of Azerbaijan to make the COP a success to deliver a more sustainable and resilient climate future for our children and grandchildren," he noted.
In the meantime, he added, "Our cooperation will continue to go hand in hand with a commitment to Azerbaijan’s democratic development and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms consistent with Azerbaijan’s constitution."
Politics
-
Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who arrived in Baku today, held a press conference at the COP29 climate conference. When asked about the arrested climate activists and opposition figures in Azerbaijan, she stated that Germany advocates for the release of government critics and that she would raise this issue during her meeting with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister. She specifically mentioned the name of Professor Gubad Ibadoglu, a doctor from Dresden University.
-
On November 21, climate activists held a series of protests at the COP29 climate conference in Baku. The main themes of the protests included nuclear weapons testing, animal killings, protection of rivers and water bodies, and environmental pollution.
-
The General Assembly of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) adopted a resolution on Friday reaffirming its commitment to democratic reforms, regional stability, and European integration amidst escalating geopolitical tensions driven by Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
-
Activist Nijat Ibrahim, who was detained in Baku pre-trial detention center-1, inflicted numerous wounds on himself on November 20 in protest against unjustified criminal prosecution, his wife Parvin Ibrahim told Turan. According to her, on November 21, her husband called her and informed her that the day before he had inflicted incised wounds on himself with a piece of mirror. In particular, he cut his throat and ears.
Leave a review