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The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other&nbsp;United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained.&nbsp;

The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months.

"What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. 
 
"Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?"

"The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire."

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<h2>US defends veto</h2>

The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire.

"This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood.

Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way."

"We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood.

UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas.

"Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council.

Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas."

Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution.

Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally. Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained. The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months. "What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. "Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?" "The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire." Also read: Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections next March US defends veto The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire. "This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood. Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way." "We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood. UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas. "Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council. Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas." Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution. Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people." (With inputs from agencies)

US vetoes UNSC resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, says it would ‘benefit’ Hamas

FBI director Christopher Wray will visit India next week at a time when the US government is investigating an alleged plot to assassinate Sikh radical Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. India too has formed a high-level committee to probe the allegations. During Wray’s visit, India will reportedly present all evidence against Pannun to the US authorities. Will the U.S. take action against Pannun who is a designated terrorist in India and is using US soil to threaten India and its citizens?

Top FBI director heads to India, evidence against Pannun to be presented to FBI top boss

Several rockets were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone early on Friday (Dec 8), the mission said in its statement.

The attack on the embassy is the latest in a spate of such incidents, and comes amid intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

"A multi-rocket attack was launched at US and Coalition forces in the vicinity of Union III and the Baghdad embassy complex" without causing any reported casualties or damage, a US official said.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The United States directs an international coalition combating jihadists in Iraq and Syria for which its&nbsp;forces have been under repeated&nbsp;attacks.

As per news agency AFP, there were five attempted strikes against the United States and coalition troops on Friday (Dec 8) besides the attack on the embassy in Baghdad.&nbsp;

Rockets were fired twice at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and three bases in Syria were targeted, according to a US military official speaking on condition of anonymity. No casualties or damages were reported from the sites the official further said.

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<h2>US 'strongly condemns' rocket attacks</h2>

The United States released a statement "strongly" condemning the attacks and called on Iraq to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"The many Iran-aligned militias that operate freely in Iraq threaten the security and stability of Iraq, our personnel, and our partners in the region," spokesman Matthew Miller said in the statement.

The US embassy said "two salvoes of rockets" were launched at the mission compound in Baghdad at around 4:15 am (0115 GMT).

"Indications are the attacks were initiated by Iran-aligned militias," said a US spokesperson.

"The Iraqi government has repeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions as well as US military personnel, who are present in the country at Iraq's invitation," Miller said.

"This is non-negotiable, as it is our right to self-defence."

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned that attacks on embassies threatened the country's security and called on its&nbsp;forces to bring the ones responsible to justice.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several rockets were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone early on Friday (Dec 8), the mission said in its statement. The attack on the embassy is the latest in a spate of such incidents, and comes amid intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Several rockets were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone early on Friday (Dec 8), the mission said in its statement. The attack on the embassy is the latest in a spate of such incidents, and comes amid intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. "A multi-rocket attack was launched at US and Coalition forces in the vicinity of Union III and the Baghdad embassy complex" without causing any reported casualties or damage, a US official said. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The United States directs an international coalition combating jihadists in Iraq and Syria for which its forces have been under repeated attacks. As per news agency AFP, there were five attempted strikes against the United States and coalition troops on Friday (Dec 8) besides the attack on the embassy in Baghdad. Rockets were fired twice at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and three bases in Syria were targeted, according to a US military official speaking on condition of anonymity. No casualties or damages were reported from the sites the official further said. Also read: US Congress launches antisemitism probe against elite universities as three varsity chiefs face backlash US 'strongly condemns' rocket attacks The United States released a statement "strongly" condemning the attacks and called on Iraq to bring the perpetrators to justice. "The many Iran-aligned militias that operate freely in Iraq threaten the security and stability of Iraq, our personnel, and our partners in the region," spokesman Matthew Miller said in the statement. The US embassy said "two salvoes of rockets" were launched at the mission compound in Baghdad at around 4:15 am (0115 GMT). "Indications are the attacks were initiated by Iran-aligned militias," said a US spokesperson. "The Iraqi government has repeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions as well as US military personnel, who are present in the country at Iraq's invitation," Miller said. "This is non-negotiable, as it is our right to self-defence." Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned that attacks on embassies threatened the country's security and called on its forces to bring the ones responsible to justice. (With inputs from agencies)

US embassy in Baghdad struck with 7 mortars, Washington blames Iran-aligned militias, demands action

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Addressing an event at the Las Vegas Carpenters International Training Center, President Biden said, "You have no idea how much this pleases me.

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Addressing an event at the Las Vegas Carpenters International Training Center, President Biden said, "You have no idea how much this pleases me. A long last, we're building the first high-speed rail project in our nation's history, and it's starting here. It's part of the $ 8.2 billion investment we're making in ten major rail projects across America, reaching tens of millions of people. We're putting high-speed rail on the fast track." "Some of you know what it's like to sit in traffic on the interstate, not the one between here and LA, which is real, but all interstates. And guess what? Trying to make that drive from LA to Las Vegas, from Las Vegas to LA or anywhere in between is a paint on your neck," he added. A reduction in trip time He pointed out that the new rail project will reduce the trip (from LA to Las Vegas and Las Vegas to LA) time from seven hours to just three hours. "And it won't just get there faster, the rail project reduces carbon emissions by three... Is the same as taking three million vehicles off the highway. Three million. And all the studies show, by the way, people get from point A to point B faster on a train than their car. They take the train. They take the train. Think of what that's going to mean to the environment," Biden further said during the event. Also read: Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking re-election next year if Trump wasn't his rival The new project would transport 11 million passengers a year and would also create ample employment opportunities, the president added. "Ultimately, it's going to take folks in Los Angeles through the Central Valley all the way to San Francisco for less than 3 hours. But today, the journey can take 8 hours by bus or car. Think of how this train will transform California's Central Valley with new businesses, new residents, visitors, and economic opportunities," he said. "This project is California's most ambitious rail project in the entire Western Hemisphere. It expects to carry 31 million passengers a year, will be 100% powered by renewable energy, and once again, this project is about jobs." Upcoming rail projects Biden also said during Friday's event that his administration was supporting 69 rail projects still in the early stages across 44 states. "On top of that, we're investing $9 billion to replace over 1000 Amtrak engines and cars across the country with scale-of-the-art equipment made in America by American workers. Made in America by American workers," said the president.

US President Biden unveils $3 billion investment for LA-Las Vegas high-speed rail project

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9).

"If necessary, they will perfectly execute the job of guiding and leading us towards a super strong strike," the anonymous commentary said while defending space development as its right to defend itself.

The satellites will be sported after the Malligyong-1 satellite that Pyongyang launched in the month of November, the move which governments in the United States, South Korea and Japan condemned stating it violated UN&nbsp;Security Council resolutions.

<h2>US, S Korea and Japan security advisors set to discuss North Korea</h2>

The national security advisers of the United States, South Korea and Japan are scheduled to hold a trilateral meeting in Seoul on Saturday (Dec 9) after Pyongyang warned of launching more spy satellites.

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US Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell on Thursday said that Washington was to focus more on deterrence while also working with its allies.

"I am worried that North Korea, in the current environment, has decided that they are no longer interested in diplomacy with the United States," Campbell said.

<h2>Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’</h2>

Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his spy rocket satellite.

The regions included South Korea's capital Seoul and all the other cities that host US military bases.

Kim inspected the shots, along with other imagery captured of some areas within North Korea, during his visit to the control centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) in Pyongyang on Friday (Nov 24), reported state news agency KCNA.

The pictures were taken as the satellite passed over the peninsula on Friday morning, said KCNA, which included captures of Seoul, and Mokpo, Kunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, where US and South Korean military bases are located.

"The NATA reported to Kim Jong Un on the plan for photographing the region of South Korean puppets and the additional fine-tuning process of the reconnaissance satellite," the report said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9).

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9). "If necessary, they will perfectly execute the job of guiding and leading us towards a super strong strike," the anonymous commentary said while defending space development as its right to defend itself. The satellites will be sported after the Malligyong-1 satellite that Pyongyang launched in the month of November, the move which governments in the United States, South Korea and Japan condemned stating it violated UN Security Council resolutions. US, S Korea and Japan security advisors set to discuss North Korea The national security advisers of the United States, South Korea and Japan are scheduled to hold a trilateral meeting in Seoul on Saturday (Dec 9) after Pyongyang warned of launching more spy satellites. Also read: North Korea makes rare appearance at UN, defends spy satellite launch after Kim inspects White House images US Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell on Thursday said that Washington was to focus more on deterrence while also working with its allies. "I am worried that North Korea, in the current environment, has decided that they are no longer interested in diplomacy with the United States," Campbell said. Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his spy rocket satellite. The regions included South Korea's capital Seoul and all the other cities that host US military bases. Kim inspected the shots, along with other imagery captured of some areas within North Korea, during his visit to the control centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) in Pyongyang on Friday (Nov 24), reported state news agency KCNA. The pictures were taken as the satellite passed over the peninsula on Friday morning, said KCNA, which included captures of Seoul, and Mokpo, Kunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, where US and South Korean military bases are located. "The NATA reported to Kim Jong Un on the plan for photographing the region of South Korean puppets and the additional fine-tuning process of the reconnaissance satellite," the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon

Russia's monthly income from oil exports is booming. It's now greater than it was before the ukraine war. A Bloomberg report report indicates that the price cap on Russian oil has effectively failed. Russia's net income from oil stood at $11.3 billion in october. this was the highest monthly income from oil exports since the war last year.

Russia's monthly income from oil exports is booming: Reports

In an interview with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green spoke about the future of the QUAD Summit and more.

Australia's High Commissioner to India speaks on the future of QUAD Summit

Activists protested over the presence of the oil, gas, and coal industry at the COP28 U.N. summit in Dubai on Tuesday while demanding an end to the use of fossil fuels, which are the major source cause of climate change.

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Images show men in their underwear with their hands bound behind their backs. Others are blindfolded. The Israeli government threatens to make more sweeping arrests in the Gaza strip to determine who is a Palestinian militant and who is not.

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The fatalities are on the rise in the besieged Gaza Strip. According to Hamas, the Central Gaza Hospital witnessed 71 fatalities in 24 hours all the regions in Gaza are under constant attack. The IDF released a video of attacks on the northeastern region.

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Heatwave, wildfires, Cyclones and droughts The El Nino phenomenon is tightening its grip across Australia with temperatures peaking at 43° C. Authorities have now urged the citizens to stay indoors as much as possible.

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Tensions between neighbouring countries of Venezuela and Guyana have escalated in recent weeks. The US is holding military drills with Guyana. The dispute is regarding a border territory around the Essequibo River.

US-Guyana conduct joint military drills amid tensions

The family members of Iranian woman Mahsa Amini have been banned from travelling to France by the Iranian authorities. The family was leaving for France to collect the Top Rights prize awarded posthumously on December 9th.

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Russia-Ukraine war | Ukraine under attack: Images from frontlines

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Northern Trust sets up regional headquarters in Riyadh

A top OPEC official has urged member countries to oppose any deal that targets fossil fuels at COP28. Secretary-general Haitham Al Ghais said that producers should (quote unquote) "Proactively reject any text or formula that targets energy".

Top OPEC official opposes any deal targeting fossil fuels

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A French court on Friday (Dec 8) convicted six teenagers for their involvement in the beheading of a teacher by an Islamic extremist that sent shock waves across the world.

The incident took place in 2020, when deceased history teacher, Samuel Paty was murdered outside the school after he showed caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad to his pupils in the class on freedom of expression from the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

Paty was stabbed and then beheaded near the secondary school in the Paris suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine on Oct 16, 2020.&nbsp;

The 18-year-old assailant, Chechen refugee Abdoullakh Anzorov, was shot dead on the spot by police.

The jail sentences, as per a youth court judgement read at a public hearing, range from 14 months to two years, however, all are either suspended or commuted and no defendant will serve prison time.

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<h2>Defendants aged between 13-15</h2>

The trial was held behind closed doors taking into consideration the age of the defendants at the time of the events, which ranged from 13 to 15 years.

Out of six, five on trial, who were aged between 14 to 15 years at the time of Paty's murder, were being tried for criminal conspiracy with intent to cause violence.

They were accused of being involved in a premeditated criminal conspiracy in exchange for money.

Four of them received suspended sentences of between 14 and 18 months.

The fifth was sentenced to two-year-imprisonment, however, 18 months of that was suspended and the teenager was set to be released with an electronic tag for the remaining six months.

The sixth out of the lot was a girl, who was 13 at the time of the incident. She was accused of making false allegations about the deceased victim stating that he had asked Muslim students to identify themselves and leave the classroom before he showed the cartoons, even though she wasn't present in the class at that time.

She was handed an 18-month suspended sentence and put on probation measures for two years.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A French court on Friday (Dec 8) convicted six teenagers for their involvement in the beheading of a teacher by an Islamic extremist that sent shock waves across the world.

A French court on Friday (Dec 8) convicted six teenagers for their involvement in the beheading of a teacher by an Islamic extremist that sent shock waves across the world. The incident took place in 2020, when deceased history teacher, Samuel Paty was murdered outside the school after he showed caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad to his pupils in the class on freedom of expression from the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Paty was stabbed and then beheaded near the secondary school in the Paris suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine on Oct 16, 2020. The 18-year-old assailant, Chechen refugee Abdoullakh Anzorov, was shot dead on the spot by police. The jail sentences, as per a youth court judgement read at a public hearing, range from 14 months to two years, however, all are either suspended or commuted and no defendant will serve prison time. Also read: US Congress launches antisemitism probe against elite universities as three varsity chiefs face backlash Defendants aged between 13-15 The trial was held behind closed doors taking into consideration the age of the defendants at the time of the events, which ranged from 13 to 15 years. Out of six, five on trial, who were aged between 14 to 15 years at the time of Paty's murder, were being tried for criminal conspiracy with intent to cause violence. They were accused of being involved in a premeditated criminal conspiracy in exchange for money. Four of them received suspended sentences of between 14 and 18 months. The fifth was sentenced to two-year-imprisonment, however, 18 months of that was suspended and the teenager was set to be released with an electronic tag for the remaining six months. The sixth out of the lot was a girl, who was 13 at the time of the incident. She was accused of making false allegations about the deceased victim stating that he had asked Muslim students to identify themselves and leave the classroom before he showed the cartoons, even though she wasn't present in the class at that time. She was handed an 18-month suspended sentence and put on probation measures for two years. (With inputs from agencies)

French court convicts six teenagers for involvement in 2020 beheading of teacher

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The globe has taken to the streets to show its support for Palestinians who are facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. This is as the United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and people around the world are protesting against it.

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Fighting has intensified in southern Gaza. Israel's ground offensive is centred around Khan Younis as a humanitarian situation continues to worsen by the hour in the besieged strip. Calls for protecting human rights for Gazans grow but Washington's support for Israel remains undeterred. To understand this better watch this interview with Colonel Rich Outzen (Retd.) who is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council & Jamestown Foundation.

Israel-Hamas | Turkiye: US left alone on Gaza issue after Veto at UN

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Azerbaijan is poised to host next year's COP29 climate change summit after winning backing from other Eastern European nations on Saturday.

The decision, which resolves months of geopolitical deadlock over where the next annual UN&nbsp;climate summit will be held, quickly drew focus to Azerbaijan's oil production and its human rights record.

With the rotating presidency of the summit shifting to Eastern Europe next year, nations from the region agreed during the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai to back Baku's bid, the co-chairs of the group of countries said in a letter the UN&nbsp;climate change body on Saturday, seen by Reuters.

"We're very grateful to all countries, in particular to the Eastern European group and the [COP28 summit] host United Arab Emirates for their support," Azerbaijan's Ecology Minister Mukhtar Babayev said in an address from the main stage at COP28 on Saturday.

Zhala Bayramova, daughter of anti-corruption researcher Gubad Ibadoghlu, who was jailed in Azerbaijan after criticizing the country's oil and gas industry, told Reuters she was appalled at the decision.

"He is risking his life for this work," Bayramova said. "This work is quite meaningless when you have COP29 hosted in Azerbaijan."

A spokesperson for Azerbaijan's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Ibadoghlu.

"Having COP29 gives legitimacy to the government," Bayramova added.

The decision on who would host COP29 had been held up after Russia vowed to veto any bid by a European Union country. The EU has imposed sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

The bid by Azerbaijan, which is not an EU member, needs approval from the nearly 200 countries present at the COP28 talks. Delegates said they expected the vote to be a formality.

To win the bid, Azerbaijan reached an agreement with longtime adversary Armenia that assured it would not face the threat of an Armenian veto.

But Baku's relations with some Western countries have deteriorated since September, when Azerbaijan retook full control of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, prompting an exodus of the territory's ethnic Armenian population.

Holding the presidency of a UN&nbsp;climate summit gives a country huge influence on its agenda and outcomes.

The COP28 summit in the UAE has been the biggest yet, with more than 90,000 delegates registered.

While the decision on who will host the event is usually made years in advance to allow countries time to prepare, Aykhan Hajizada, a spokesperson at Azerbaijan's ministry of foreign affairs, told Reuters on Friday that Baku was well equipped to handle the event.

When Azerbaijan's bid was first reported on Thursday, some raised concerns about holding the global climate talks in another oil producing nation. Azerbaijan is an oil and gas producer and a member of OPEC+.

Richard Black of the energy think tank Ember wrote on social media site X: "The road from #COP28 will, it seems, lead to Baku, possibly the world's first 'oil capital' a thousand years ago, where Marco Polo documented oil being traded, and where tourists can still top up their health by getting into a bath of crude."

Watch:&nbsp;Armenia and Azerbaijan agree to exchange prisoners of war

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Hajizada said he understood those concerns, and noted Azerbaijan's plans to diversify its energy sources to include more wind and solar power.

The European Commission last year signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to double imports of Azeri natural gas as part of its strategy to diversify away from Russia.

<h2>Legitimacy to the government</h2>

Ibadoghlu, a professor at the London School of Economics, was arrested on charges of dealing with counterfeit money and extremism when visiting family in Azerbaijan in July.

He had served from 2013-2019 as the civil society representative to the board of the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI), an organization that advocates for open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources.

The US&nbsp;State Department and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe earlier this year condemned Ibadoghlu's arrest and demanded his release. The EU in September adopted a joint motion to demand an investigation into the arrest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-azerbaijan-hold-talks-in-iran-as-russia-claims-main-issue-resolved-in-nagorno-karabakh-650517">Also read:&nbsp;Armenia, Azerbaijan hold talks in Iran as Russia claims main issue resolved in Nagorno-Karabakh</a>

"We can't let Azerbaijan use COP29 to distract from its abysmal record on freedom of speech and human rights," said Jason Bardwell, a spokesman for Publish What You Pay, the organization that created the EITI.

"As a major oil producer, Azerbaijan will need to listen to its critics," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Azerbaijan is poised to host next year's COP29 climate change summit after winning backing from other Eastern European nations on Saturday. The decision, which resolves months of geopolitical deadlock over where the next annual UN climate summit will be held, quickly drew focus to Azerbaijan's oil production and its human rights record.

Azerbaijan is poised to host next year's COP29 climate change summit after winning backing from other Eastern European nations on Saturday. The decision, which resolves months of geopolitical deadlock over where the next annual UN climate summit will be held, quickly drew focus to Azerbaijan's oil production and its human rights record. With the rotating presidency of the summit shifting to Eastern Europe next year, nations from the region agreed during the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai to back Baku's bid, the co-chairs of the group of countries said in a letter the UN climate change body on Saturday, seen by Reuters. "We're very grateful to all countries, in particular to the Eastern European group and the [COP28 summit] host United Arab Emirates for their support," Azerbaijan's Ecology Minister Mukhtar Babayev said in an address from the main stage at COP28 on Saturday. Zhala Bayramova, daughter of anti-corruption researcher Gubad Ibadoghlu, who was jailed in Azerbaijan after criticizing the country's oil and gas industry, told Reuters she was appalled at the decision. "He is risking his life for this work," Bayramova said. "This work is quite meaningless when you have COP29 hosted in Azerbaijan." A spokesperson for Azerbaijan's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Ibadoghlu. "Having COP29 gives legitimacy to the government," Bayramova added. The decision on who would host COP29 had been held up after Russia vowed to veto any bid by a European Union country. The EU has imposed sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. The bid by Azerbaijan, which is not an EU member, needs approval from the nearly 200 countries present at the COP28 talks. Delegates said they expected the vote to be a formality. To win the bid, Azerbaijan reached an agreement with longtime adversary Armenia that assured it would not face the threat of an Armenian veto. But Baku's relations with some Western countries have deteriorated since September, when Azerbaijan retook full control of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, prompting an exodus of the territory's ethnic Armenian population. Holding the presidency of a UN climate summit gives a country huge influence on its agenda and outcomes. The COP28 summit in the UAE has been the biggest yet, with more than 90,000 delegates registered. While the decision on who will host the event is usually made years in advance to allow countries time to prepare, Aykhan Hajizada, a spokesperson at Azerbaijan's ministry of foreign affairs, told Reuters on Friday that Baku was well equipped to handle the event. When Azerbaijan's bid was first reported on Thursday, some raised concerns about holding the global climate talks in another oil producing nation. Azerbaijan is an oil and gas producer and a member of OPEC+. Richard Black of the energy think tank Ember wrote on social media site X: "The road from #COP28 will, it seems, lead to Baku, possibly the world's first 'oil capital' a thousand years ago, where Marco Polo documented oil being traded, and where tourists can still top up their health by getting into a bath of crude." Watch: Armenia and Azerbaijan agree to exchange prisoners of war × Hajizada said he understood those concerns, and noted Azerbaijan's plans to diversify its energy sources to include more wind and solar power. The European Commission last year signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to double imports of Azeri natural gas as part of its strategy to diversify away from Russia. Legitimacy to the government Ibadoghlu, a professor at the London School of Economics, was arrested on charges of dealing with counterfeit money and extremism when visiting family in Azerbaijan in July. He had served from 2013-2019 as the civil society representative to the board of the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI), an organization that advocates for open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources. The US State Department and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe earlier this year condemned Ibadoghlu's arrest and demanded his release. The EU in September adopted a joint motion to demand an investigation into the arrest. Also read: Armenia, Azerbaijan hold talks in Iran as Russia claims main issue resolved in Nagorno-Karabakh "We can't let Azerbaijan use COP29 to distract from its abysmal record on freedom of speech and human rights," said Jason Bardwell, a spokesman for Publish What You Pay, the organization that created the EITI. "As a major oil producer, Azerbaijan will need to listen to its critics," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Azerbaijan all set to host COP29 climate summit next year after receiving regional backing

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