BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 10. The call by French Senator Yannick Jadot to boycott COP29 in Baku over unsubstantiated claims of the so-called "ethnic cleansing" against Armenia reeks of hypocrisy and political opportunism.
This so-called "environmentalist" in a recent article by Ouest-France, a daily French newspaper, is shamefully allowing biased narratives - spun by Armenian interests and loyally echoed by pro-Armenian French politicians - to undermine global efforts on one of humanity’s most critical issues: climate change.
Let’s be clear - this narrative of "ethnic cleansing" is a falsehood, continuously propagated by Armenian lobbyists to vilify Azerbaijan and garner misplaced sympathy from foreign governments. It’s no secret that Armenian propaganda has deeply infiltrated French political circles, warping perceptions and fueling a vendetta against Azerbaijan based on unfounded accusations. Jadot’s suggestion that France sit out of COP29 is a slap in the face to every nation working tirelessly to address the climate crisis.
This raises a question: why are some French politicians, such as Jadot, more consumed with defending Armenian separatist agendas than addressing the world’s escalating climate disaster? France, like every country, is witnessing the severe impacts of climate change - from deadly heatwaves to forest fires - and yet, Jadot and his like-minded colleagues choose to prioritize their partisan agenda over pressing global concerns. This political grandstanding does nothing for the climate and sends a disturbing message that fabricated regional narratives can distract from real solutions.
France’s place is at COP29, contributing to discussions that affect the entire planet, not making excuses based on propaganda-fueled grievances. The UN’s selection of Baku as the host city reflects Azerbaijan’s leadership in addressing climate and energy issues - especially its efforts in renewable energy and sustainable development. France’s leaders should be focused on joining Azerbaijan in this crucial work, rather than promoting unfounded smear campaigns.
Climate action can’t wait, nor can it be held hostage by biased political interests. If France truly cares about the future of the planet, it should engage fully in COP29, placing the real climate crisis over regional grudges and divisive rhetoric.