The opening ceremony of COP29 started in Azerbaijan yesterday, November 12. Although the Azerbaijani side invited Armenia to the event, Armenia has not participated in this international event until now.
On the topic, Radar Armenia spoke with political scientist Suren Surenyants, chairman of the Democratic Alternative party, and Ruben Mehrabyan, vice chairman of the For the Republic party.
- Is it politically correct that Armenia is not participating in COP29?
Ruben Mehrabyan. - In the situation that exists in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, in the negotiation process, yes, it was very correct. With this, Armenia puts pressure on Azerbaijan in the negotiation process. Armenia shows that it needs to be in a better situation to participate in the international event in Azerbaijan. The problem is such that Armenia says that it is impossible to participate. Especially yesterday was the decision of the International Court of Justice, which says that unbearable conditions are maintained there for Armenians and Armenia.
Suren Surenyants. -If there is no final decision regarding the signing of the peace treaty, and even more so if the issue of the release of prisoners of war is not resolved, participation becomes an end in itself and even dangerous because, in that case, the Armenian side receives nothing but legitimizes Baku—the ruling agenda.
- What political consequences might Armenia's non-participation in COP29 have, considering that the parties are constantly discussing the peace agenda?
Ruben Mehrabyan. -There will be no adverse consequences. The positive thing is that, nevertheless, the negotiation process will continue until its logical end—when it is not clear. Finally, the Blinken-Fidan telephone conversation occurred, during which these issues were discussed.
Suren Surenyants. - Both sides are constantly discussing the peace agenda, but one side, Azerbaijan, sets such demands that the signing of the peace treaty becomes almost impossible. To be more specific, demands for de-Nazification and demilitarization are being made. Moreover, it is pretty challenging. After COP29, Azerbaijan's rhetoric will become more arduous, and one way or another, the imminent signing of the peace treaty is not predicted.
Hayk Magoyan
