Despite being a UN Climate Change Conference, COP-29 has gained momentum in Armenia primarily in the context of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan and Greta Thunberg’s visit to Yerevan. These have become the main topics of discussion in Armenia while the ongoing COP-29 takes place in Baku. Although it is a Climate Change Conference, COP-29 also highlights significant political issues.

Initially, before the start of the conference on November 11, the Armenian authorities did not rule out the possibility of going to Baku, but did not have a final decision. The opposition insisted that it is necessary to go to Baku only on the condition of returning all the prisoners of war, and some public figures considered the possibility to go to Baku if there is a hope of reaching an agreement on the return of even one prisoner of war.  

Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan told journalists on November 12 that Armenia’s participation depends on the general dynamics of the negotiations. In other words, as of a week ago, the RA government was negotiating the conditions for going to Baku, although, on the same day, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov told journalists that Yerevan’s non-participation in COP-29 was “an overlooked opportunity”.

On the same day, various news headlines created the impression that the ruling power in Armenia is opposed to the return of prisoners. Civilnet.am reported that “the National Assembly’s statement on the issue of prisoners was not accepted, the rulling party did not partake in the vote.” Similarly, Armlur.am wrote: “Civil Contract refused to accept a statement demanding the release of prisoners.” Yerki.am raised the question, “Does the National Assembly have a call to return our compatriots from prisons in Baku?” Lastly, Azatutyun.am noted, “The Civil Contract Party refused to accept the opposition’s proposal regarding the release of prisoners of war.”

Before the discussion on the draft statement regarding “Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan” even began, it was evident that it would not be accepted. This draft statement was intended for the parliamentary opposition. Consequently, the international community, represented by the participants of COP-29, was urged to use its influence to demand the immediate release of the military-political leadership of Artsakh and all other Armenian prisoners. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan is obligated under fundamental provisions of international law and human rights to release all Armenian prisoners immediately.They called on the RA government to actively collaborate with international organizations to attain military-political leadership in Artsakh and secure the release of all other Armenian prisoners. 

The MPs of Civil Contract assured that prisoners could be returned without having to accept a statement, similar to what was achieved almost a year ago.

The government of Armenia successfully secured the release of Armenian prisoners of war from Azerbaijan during COP-29. On December 13, 2023, Baku released 32 Armenian prisoners of war, and in return, Armenia agreed the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Baku.

As of November 18, no official representative from Armenia has traveled to Baku. However, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov stated that there were individuals who had pre-registered for this purpose. On November 12, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan mentioned in the National Assembly that the registered individuals could be from the political sphere. There has been no response from the political community to the Foreign Minister’s statement.

Thunberg for climate justice and beyond

Starting from November 12, the phrases “political society” and “COP-29” began to appear together more frequently, largely due to Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg’s visit to Armenia from Georgia. Upon her arrival at the Armenian-Georgian border, Thunberg was greeted by environmentalist Oleg Dulgarian. Dulgarian informed the Azatutyun radio station that Thunberg had come to Armenia on her own initiative, choosing to boycott the COP-29 conference held in Baku.

Greta Thunberg received a warm welcome in Armenia, where she was embraced by various representatives of civil society who accompanied her during her visit. However, she left Armenia somewhat politicized. Thunberg questioned, “What is climate justice worth without social justice?” She also opposed the decision to hold an important environmental conference in Azerbaijan. On November 14, at the American University of Armenia, she participated in the “Consequences of Baku aggression. at the COP-29” conference. In her speech, Thunberg mentioned that human rights are not respected in Azerbaijan, ethnic cleansing is taking place. According to the enviromentalist, “it is extreme hypocrisy that the conference is taking place in that country”.

On November 15, Thunberg took part in a protest organized in front of the UN Armenian office. The participants not only addressed environmental issues but also called for the release of Armenian prisoners in Baku.

Where are Armenian prisoners held in Baku? This question was addressed by members of the “Armenian Initiative for Climate Justice,” specifically for international journalists covering COP-29. The map indicated the location of COP-29 in Baku, the prison, and the area where Armenian prisoners are held captive. “Go and see how the leader of a country that speaks about environmental protection and human rights treats people,” said Shushanik Harutyunyan, a representative of the movement, as she addressed international journalists and organizations while holding the map.

How many international media organizations and journalists were actually covering this protest? When listening to Shushanik Harutyunyan, how many would consider traveling to and from the prison where Armenian prisoners are held in Baku? Probably none. While Greta Thunberg’s visit to Armenia and the actions involving her participation may have some value, they are likely limited in their impact and do not significantly contribute to the release of the prisoners. This issue needs to be addressed within a completely different framework.

On October 28, the director of the RA National Security Service informed the “Azatutyun” radio station that a meeting with the Azerbaijani side regarding the issue of prisoners and missing persons was anticipated to take place soon. However, there is currently no published information about whether that meeting occurred.