This story was updated Oct. 4.
Several dozen lawmakers want Secretary of State Antony Blinken to demand the “immediate and unconditional release” of political prisoners in Azerbaijan before U.N. climate talks kick off in Baku next month.
A letter led by House Energy and Commerce ranking member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) comes amid increasing concern about the nation’s human rights record and how it might complicate negotiations at COP29.
“The upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan offers a unique opportunity to promote clean energy and regional cooperation, but it is critical for the United States to address the significant challenges posed by ongoing human rights violations and unresolved territorial conflicts in Azerbaijan,” the lawmakers wrote.
