Pro-Armenian Pallone's appearance in Baku and test of Azerbaijan’s peaceful diplomacy

By Elnur Enveroglu

The first week of the UN Climate Change Conference of parties ongoing in Baku was remarkable with several political events in and out of the country.

While COP29 was an interesting and important platform for many countries, it was both unreachable and unexpected for some political circles. However, the event was made accessible to all parties by the will of Azerbaijan, even allowing politicians who have long expressed prejudices against Azerbaijan to visit the country.

For example, Frank Pallone, a stark pro-Armenian US Congressman from New Jersey and a member of the Democratic Party, known for his constant defence of Armenian separatism and biased statements against Azerbaijan in Congress, did not face any obstacles during his unexpected visit to Baku to attend the COP29. In fact, some anti-Azerbaijan factions, while organizing a smear campaign against Azerbaijan, called Baku a place of “victims of political repression.” However, the truth did not remain hidden; Azerbaijan answered the questions remaining obscure in minds with its democratic approach at COP29.

Frank Pallone, who evaded questions extended by journalists in Baku, did not want to give a statement about his true intention to attend the COP29. Although he dashed to several conference halls before journalists with several folders clutched to his chest, he appeared in neither of the press conference rooms. Frank Pallone behaved as if he had come to Baku with a full of impressions, but he refused to share his thoughts at the last moment showing his reluctance to communicate with the local media.

One of the most memorable moments was the violent behaviour of Pallone's guards towards local journalists. They pushed the journalists at every step while asking questions about the pro-Armenian politician's visit to Baku.

Many unforeseen circumstances and unpredictability turned into reality on day six of COP29, when sessions continued with discussions on energy and peace. It would not have been surprising if Senator Ed Markey, Adam Schiff, and even Bundestag member Frank Schwabe had appeared as participants.

But what happened outside the country?

Against the backdrop of COP29 calling for peace and collaboration in the fight against climate issues, the anti-Azerbaijani propaganda and agitation campaign outside the country did not subside. The Armenian lobby’s heated activities in the background were trying to attract attention on social networks. One of such cheap campaigns was the involvement of a young Swedish influencer in inappropriate actions in Tbilisi and Yerevan under the guise of an eco-activist. Certainly, the activities of the Armenian lobby are undeniable, but the fact that this action did not coincide with the goals of COP29 was a clear example of blatant bias.

22-year-old Greta Thunberg shouting about human rights on the streets of Yerevan, and on the other hand, the sudden appearance of pro-Armenian US congressman and politician Frank Pallone at COP29 in Baku –these events were watched as a non-commentary event on the eve of the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku. Neither human rights nor politics are the subject of COP29, but for some reason, outside forces are trying to politicize the UN climate conference based on their illogical thinking.

There is still a week to go, and we will be watching the upcoming COP29 sessions, as well as the events taking place in the country and abroad, in the coming days.