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.