"An agreement ended a monthslong deadlock in which Russia exercised veto power over countries that had criticized its invasion of Ukraine."

"The next United Nations climate change summit appears set to take place in Azerbaijan, a spokesman for the country said Saturday, resolving a bitter, monthslong political standoff over which nation should host the talks in 2024.

Azerbaijan would be the third major oil and gas producer in a row to host the annual U.N. negotiations on tackling global warming, which is largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels. This year’s summit, known as COP28, is being held in the United Arab Emirates, the world’s seventh-largest producer of oil.

Azerbaijan’s government is considered authoritarian by many analysts. Human rights groups have documented widespread corruption and political repression over the 20-year rule of the country’s president, Ilham Aliyev."

Brad Plumer and Max Bearak report for the New York Times December 9, 2023. [2]