Top stories in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia from May 27-31, 2024

● Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze criticized Ukraine again, stating that “no one is held accountable for the deaths of tens of thousands in Ukraine.” He compared protests in Georgia to the Maidan, asserting that “no Maidan will happen in Georgia.” He also claimed that the Ukrainian government after Euromaidan was “appointed from outside” and did not take responsibility for the events in the country. “Before 2013, Ukraine had territorial integrity and a $200 billion economy. Today, it has collapsed, with 20% of its territory occupied and tens of thousands dead. Who is responsible? No one,” said Kobakhidze.

● The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Kobakhidze’s remarks. “It’s sad to see the continued degradation of statements from the Georgian Prime Minister, which are increasingly hard to distinguish from those of the Russian government. It’s not Ukraine, which is defending itself, but Russia alone, which treacherously attacked our land, that is responsible for the thousands of lost lives and the destruction of Ukrainian cities and villages,” stated the Ukrainian MFA.

● Almost simultaneously, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that “the Party of War rules Kyiv,” a narrative popular among Georgian authorities. Lavrov claimed that President Zelensky is illegitimate and that peace in Ukraine requires the West to stop supplying weapons to Kyiv. More on the “Global Party of War” here

● Leading Georgian NGOs are filing a lawsuit with the Georgian Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights to block the “foreign agents law.” More details here

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze commented on the lawsuit: “Before initiating this bill, we studied the practice of the European Court. The law passed by the Georgian Parliament fully complies with it. Remember the ‘Rustavi-2’ case. Initially, under political pressure, the European Court temporarily suspended the Supreme Court of Georgia’s decision (regarding the change of owners). But after a thorough review, it determined that there were no grounds for suspension, and the Georgian court’s decision was completely fair.”

● The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) published a legal analysis of the “foreign agents law,” concluding that it is incompatible with democratic standards and human rights legislation. The analysis was prepared based on a letter from Georgian MPs Teona Akubardia and Paata Manjgaladze. Read the full document here

● The President must clarify her idea to collect 200,000 signatures for a referendum on whether Georgians prefer a European future or Russian subjugation. Opposition representatives remind that the people’s decision was made clear in the 2008 referendum, and Georgia’s European path is enshrined in the Constitution, with the country holding EU candidate status. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s signature is required to call a referendum, which he is unlikely to provide. More on the President’s initiative here

● A protest by cancer patients with the slogan “We want to live” took place at the entrance of Parliament. Protesters greeted the Health Minister, who arrived to report on the ministry’s work, with signs. They claimed that crucial anti-cancer drugs are not included in the state funding program for cancer patients, side effects of chemotherapy are not covered, and the drugs that are listed are funded with significant delays, often when time is critical. The process speeds up only if “someone calls from the top.” Meanwhile, there is a shortage of anti-cancer drugs in the country.

● Opposition leader of Belarus Svetlana Tikhanovskaya urged Georgian citizens to continue fighting against the “foreign agents law.” “This law could be the first step towards what happened in Belarus, where all NGOs have been eliminated, free media destroyed, and the political space emptied. The future of Belarus and the Georgian people lies in Europe, not Russia,” she said.

● The US administration has granted Ukraine the right to attack Russian territory with American weapons, but only in the direction of the Kharkiv region. Politico reports this information, confirmed by at least two sources.

● French football star and Juventus forward participated in the opening ceremony of the Juventus football academy in Tsalenjikha, western Georgia.

● Heavy rain, accompanied by hail and a storm, flooded streets in Tbilisi and knocked down trees in several districts.

Photo by JAMnews/David Pipia

● The Ministry of Internal Affairs has requested the activation of the EU Civil Defense Mechanism and UN assistance in response to flooding in the northern part of the country. This is necessary to enhance expertise in accurately assessing and mitigating the disaster’s impact, according to the Ministry.

● A train carrying food, water, and essential supplies has arrived in the village of Karkop in the Tavush region of Armenia. After the flood-damaged bridge at the Ayrum railway station was restored, equipment for cleanup operations was also delivered.

● The United States is sending consultants to the defense ministries of Moldova, Armenia, Ukraine, and the Balkan countries upon their request, reports the French publication Intelligence Online.

● The transportation potential of the South Caucasus remains untapped partly due to Armenian-Azerbaijani conflicts, stated Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova: “Routes connecting Armenia and Azerbaijan are not yet operational, and ongoing disputes between Georgia and Abkhazia also affect the road situation.”

● A group of activists led by Archbishop Galstanyan continues to hold protests in Yerevan, demanding the resignation of Nikol Pashinyan. Yesterday, during a government session, they surrounded the building to prevent cabinet members from entering, but the police managed to clear the way and the session proceeded.

● In Baku, economist and blogger Farid Mehralyzade (pictured) was detained. Independent journalists reported on social media that Mehralyzade was put into a car and taken away. There is also unconfirmed information about a search conducted in the economist’s apartment. The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that Farid Mehralyzade was invited for a conversation at the police station.

● “Recent agreements with Armenia on delimitation and the return of four villages to Azerbaijan have had a positive impact on the process of normalizing relations between the two countries,” said Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart in Islamabad.

● In the Jabrayil, Gubadly, and Zangilan districts, the reconstruction of three cities, five towns, and 24 villages is planned by the end of 2026.

● The United Nations Development Programme and ANAMA have agreed to establish a Center of Excellence for Demining in Azerbaijan (pictured). The center will provide training and capacity building, certification, and knowledge transfer in mine action.

● The State Examination Center will oversee the training of taxi and bus drivers. Upon evaluation, a document valid for seven years will be issued. Drivers involved in passenger and cargo transportation will be required to undergo special training in professional activities and conduct.

● The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church has appointed a new head of the Baku and Azerbaijan Diocese, Abbot Alexiy (Smirnov) from the Stavropol Diocese.

● In Baku, a man was detained for secretly photographing women and posting their images on social media. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that 29-year-old Nurlan Yusifli organized a mass broadcast, posting photos and videos of individual women on a TikTok account. Yusifli received 30 days of administrative arrest.

● The German Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer: “Georgia has been a candidate country since December last year; this was a huge historical step for both the EU and Georgia. The next step will be opening accession negotiations with the EU, in accordance with Georgia’s decision, and all EU member states are ready to start negotiations. However, the Georgian government has passed a law that does not meet EU standards. As long as this law remains in effect, we will not open accession negotiations with Georgia. This is the current situation for Georgia.”

● The Parliament did not take into account the President’s motivated remarks regarding the so-called “offshore law” and overrode her veto. Salome Zurabishvili explained her veto decision by stating that the law introduces changes to the Tax Code and poses serious political and economic risks. The law should not be passed in an expedited manner without adequate time for consideration and ensuring public participation, the President justified her veto decision. “Georgia becomes Putin’s personal cash box” – Experts on offshore law

● Transparency International Georgia published an analysis of the assets of the honorary chairman of the ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is considered the shadow ruler of the country. His assets amount to 20% of Georgia’s GDP. For example, in New York, Ivanishvili owns a mansion worth over $8 million, in France, a vast estate, and apartments in Paris. TI Georgia publishes a list of over 20 offshore companies controlled by Ivanishvili. These, in turn, manage more than 125 companies in various countries and sectors of the economy. TI Georgia argues that the so-called “offshore law” was passed in Ivanishvili’s interest. The full investigation can be read here 

● Nika Melia, one of the leaders of the “Ahali” party, believes that opposition parties need to create various platforms for unification in preparation for the parliamentary elections in October. “There can be at least two or three,” he said. Almost the entire opposition has already announced their support for the “Georgian Charter,” a platform proposed by the President. “When we vote for any party that has signed the charter in the elections, we will be voting for a European future,” said Salome Zurabishvili. Read more here

● Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili: “We must believe in ourselves, otherwise we will always be oppressed by the Russians and Europeans.”

● It was announced that the investor for one of Georgia’s most important projects, the construction of the deep-water port of Anaklia, will be a Chinese consortium consisting of “CCC” and “China Communications Construction Company.” However, the non-governmental organization “Civil Idea” reported that this consortium is under US sanctions and is on the World Bank’s “blacklist.” Previously, the investor for this project was a consortium that included the Georgian group TBC Holding and the American company Conti International LLC.

● Russian Telegram channels are publishing information about a conference held in Tbilisi titled “Georgia’s Return to the Russian Empire – Historical Truth Against Opportunistic Lies.” The organizer was the Eurasian Institute and its head, Gulbaat Rtskhiladze. Participants discussed Georgia’s history within the Russian Empire and claimed that by joining it, Georgia “received far more benefits than the empire itself.”

● A store near the parliament has become the most popular in Tbilisi after its owner got into a debate with MP Viktor Japaridze. The MP was driving away after an evening parliamentary session where he voted for the adoption of the “foreign agents” law. A passerby loudly criticized him, and the MP jumped out of his car, grabbed an orange from a stall, and threw it at the passerby. The next day, the MP came to the store to pay for the orange but instead received an angry rebuke from the owner: “You took away the future of my four children and came to pay for an orange?” Both videos went viral on social media, and now there is a line of people wanting to buy products from the store to support its owner.

Photo JAMnews/David Pipia

● The European Union External Action Service issued a critical statement regarding the recent pardon in Azerbaijan. “In recent months, there has been a worrying increase in the arrests of independent journalists, human rights defenders, and political activists on politically motivated charges. Independent media representatives, such as Abzas Media, Toplum TV, Kanal 11, and Kanal 13, as well as the political movement ‘Third Republic Platform,’ independent trade unions, and other organizations like the Institute for Democratic Initiatives, have faced persecution. Many of them have had their pretrial detention repeatedly extended. The European Union continues to call on Azerbaijan to release all individuals detained for exercising their fundamental rights and to ensure decent and safe conditions for detainees, including full access to healthcare and independent legal services,” the statement read.

● “The most important thing is that under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, Azerbaijan has successfully brought Karabakh back home,” declared LDPR party chairman Leonid Slutsky at a celebratory reception for Azerbaijan’s Independence Day in Moscow.

● Military Prosecutor Khanlar Veliyev praised the activities of Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh as “effective” during a meeting with his Russian counterpart Valery Petrov on a visit to Russia.

● Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister has departed for Pakistan. Jeyhun Bayramov will meet with his Pakistani counterpart, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, as well as other high-ranking officials.

● Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov has left for a working visit to Turkey, where he will participate in the “Distinguished Observer Day” as part of the EFES-2024 exercises.

● On June 3, the Prime Minister will visit Minsk. Ali Asadov will attend the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council on June 3-4. Additionally, the 14th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation and the Belarus-Azerbaijan Business Forum will be held in the Belarusian capital on June 6-7, with the participation of Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ali Akhmedov.

● Azerbaijan and Belarus plan to gradually increase mutual trade volume to $1 billion by 2030. This was announced by Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko at an event dedicated to Azerbaijan’s Independence Day.

● Azerbaijan is one of the main suppliers of apples to Russia. Since the beginning of the year, Russia has imported 178.3 thousand tons of apples, primarily from Serbia, Azerbaijan, and China, according to Rosselkhoznadzor.

● The first flight from Azerbaijan to Mecca for pilgrimage will take place on June 4. This year, the quota for pilgrims from Azerbaijan is 1,500 people, with a cost of $5,850 per person.

● “The danger of military aggression from Azerbaijan is always present, but this danger should not be exaggerated,” said Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service Kristine Grigoryan to journalists in Parliament.

● Yerevan is discussing defense cooperation with the EU. To this end, Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan met with Chairman of the EU Military Committee General Robert Brieger. They agreed to “develop cooperation in areas of mutual interest.” The agenda also included the issue of regional security guarantees.

● Nikol Pashinyan commented on yesterday’s incident at Sardarapat, where police attempted to prevent the Catholicos of All Armenians from reaching the memorial. “The Catholicos arrived at the site of the official event to which he was not invited. The police were merely trying to confirm that the Catholicos was not there to continue the provocative actions of his supporters and members of the political movement he leads (referring to ‘Tavush for the Homeland’). Once assurances were given that the visit was purely protocol, they facilitated the Catholicos’ entry to the memorial.”

● Armenia is reducing the share of its national debt in dollars for the purposes of currency diversification and risk reduction, stated Finance Minister Vage Ovanessian in Parliament. Meanwhile, the share of the national debt in euros has increased, and the state has continued to raise the share of debt in the national currency.

● The bilateral and regional agenda was discussed in a telephone conversation between the Foreign Minister of Armenia and the acting Foreign Minister of Iran. It was noted that “the good-neighborly relations between the two countries and peoples are deep and will be enduring.”

● In Armenia, a man threatened to blow up a bank and has been arrested. The Investigative Committee reports that the 49-year-old resident of the village of Byureghavan is charged with terrorism.

● The European Championship in shooting will be held in Armenia in 2026. By decision of the European Shooting Confederation, Yerevan will host the adult championship in 10m air pistol and rifle shooting, including moving targets.

● The ruling party’s parliamentary majority overrode the president’s veto on the “foreign agents” law, allowing it to become law. Thousands of people outside the parliament greeted this announcement with shouts of “Russian slaves” and “traitors.” Organizers promise to continue the massive protests, with the next rally scheduled for June 2.

● After the “Russian law” was passed, leading NGOs issued a joint statement declaring their defiance. “The government has broken its promise to the Georgian people. They wanted to crush the civil sector but instead faced unprecedented unity and relentless resistance. The Georgian people firmly defend and will continue to defend their European future and will never accept living under Russian oppression. The authorities have deliberately created threats to the economy, international reputation, civil order, and peace of our country. But the Russian law will not work in our country! It will remain a piece of paper that no one will obey. Our protest and struggle will continue until this law is repealed,” the statement said.

● President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili has launched a new initiative: to collect signatures to call for a referendum, where the Georgian people will decide whether the country should follow a European or Russian path. The president also urged everyone to “seriously prepare for the parliamentary elections in October.” Read more here

● European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: “The absolute majority of Georgia’s population wants to join the EU. But the law on transparency of foreign influence contradicts the fundamental principles and values of the EU, negatively impacting Georgia’s path to the EU. We will consider all options and urge the government to return to supporting EU aspirations.”

● European Council President Charles Michel: “In December, the European Council decided to grant Georgia candidate status, expecting Georgia to take appropriate steps and implement necessary democratic reforms. Adopting this law is a step backward and halts Georgia’s progress toward the European Union. The people of Georgia have clearly chosen their future in the European Union, and we will do everything to support their efforts. Therefore, I will add the issue of Georgia to the agenda of the next European Council session.”

● Carl Bildt, co-chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations: “After the ruling party overrode the president’s veto on the Russian law, Georgia’s European path has temporarily ended – it’s tragic, but it’s true.”

● Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins on X: “Overriding the president’s veto on the ‘foreign influence’ law is a very sad decision by the Georgian parliament. This law contradicts European standards, as indicated by the Venice Commission. As the EU, we will consider all response options to this decision.”

● U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee: “A sad day for Georgia: the Georgian government adopted a foreign agents law modeled on Russia’s. However, the people have stated that they will not let Ivanishvili destroy their democracy and take away their European future – we support them.”

● Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström: “The ruling majority in Georgia decided to override the president’s veto and adopt the foreign influence law, despite large-scale protests, unequivocal calls from the international community, and the Venice Commission’s recommendations to cancel the law. Since the law is incompatible with EU norms and values, this decision will have consequences for Georgia-EU relations.”

● Chairman of the Latvian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Rihards Kols: “The legislation clearly contradicts the fundamental norms and values of the European Union, hindering Georgia’s aspiration for EU membership. The desire for freedom and integration into the European Union fundamentally contradicts this law. The rapprochement of the Georgian Dream party with Russia is a wrong and regressive path, leading Georgia away from a hopeful future, and therefore away from Europe, to nowhere.”

● U.S. State Department representative Matthew Miller: “The ruling Georgian Dream party has further distanced the country from European integration – we will take this into account.”

In the photo, the Georgian Parliament building in Tbilisi has “Kremlin Branch” written on its wall.

● The broadcast of the First Russian Channel in Armenia has been suspended. Reports indicate that the channel failed to meet its contractual obligations and has an outstanding debt for 2.5 months. The broadcast will remain suspended until the debt is fully paid.

● A video has surfaced on social media showing an incident involving the Catholicos of All Armenians. For the first time in Armenia’s history, the Supreme Patriarch of the Armenian Church was reportedly barred from entering the Sardarapat Memorial. The footage shows law enforcement preventing Garegin II and clergymen from entering the complex during an event commemorating the First Republic Day, attended by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

● Turkey’s National Security Council expressed hopes that the positive developments in negotiations between Yerevan and Baku will lead to the signing of a peace treaty, according to a statement following a Security Council meeting with President Erdogan.

● One person died and two others were injured by a lightning strike in Gegharkunik.

● “We are not currently considering early elections; there is no point in discussing this,” said protest leader Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan. He had previously called for the resignation of Nikol Pashinyan and was named the unified opposition candidate for the position of prime minister.

● During a visit to the Aghdam district, President Ilham Aliyev laid the foundations for four villages: Taghibeyli, Gulluja, Nemirli, and Shotlanly.

● A residential complex has been commissioned in the city of Khojaly (pictured). The 15 three-story buildings feature two-room, three-room, and four-room apartments.

● “The resettlement of internally displaced persons in Khankendi will begin in September,” Ilham Aliyev announced in Khojaly during a meeting with local residents.

● Media representatives visited the ruins of buildings in four villages of the Gazakh district, which were returned as part of the border delimitation and demarcation process with Armenia. Journalists also observed the activities of the border posts that have begun operations.

● A 27-year-old employee of the State Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), Gasil Yusubov, was injured by a landmine in the Aghdam district. His left foot was amputated in the hospital.

● Turkey’s National Security Council expressed hopes that positive developments in the negotiations between Baku and Yerevan will lead to the signing of a peace treaty. This was stated following a Security Council meeting with President Erdogan.

● Today, the parliament is discussing the intention to override the president’s veto on the “foreign agents” law. Yesterday, the parliamentary legal committee rejected the veto. At 11:00, the youth movement “Dapioni” will start a protest at the service entrance of the parliament against this law. A general civil protest is scheduled for 17:00 outside the parliament.

● To override the veto, 76 votes are needed. 84 deputies, all from the ruling party, voted for the law. Prominent Georgian cultural figures are urging deputies to support the president’s veto. Notable filmmaker Nana Janelidze has written an open letter to the children of ruling party deputies, asking them to influence their parents and not deprive them of a European future. “We need to persuade just 10 deputies to save the country,” writes Janelidze.

● Speakers of the parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Netherlands, France, and the Czech Republic have sent a joint letter to the speaker of the Georgian parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, urging the repeal of the “foreign agents” law. Read more here

● Lado Menabde, a journalist from the “Mtavari Arxi” TV channel, has been summoned for questioning for posting a photo on social media where he is holding a counter-sniper rifle. On his Facebook page, Menabde writes that a criminal case has been initiated against him under the article on preparing a terrorist act. He says he faces 6 to 12 years in prison if convicted.

● President Salome Zourabichvili addressed the Georgian diaspora: “Your voice will be very important in these elections.”

● The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated at a press conference after the meeting of EU foreign ministers: “The actions of the Georgian government may affect the prospects of the country’s European integration. We have started discussing what measures will be taken if the Georgian parliament overrides the president’s veto on the ‘Foreign Influence Transparency’ law.”

● At this meeting, Hungary expressed support for Georgia and proposed starting negotiations on the country’s accession to the EU.

● Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova again defended the “Russian law” in Georgia, publishing a disinformation text on her Telegram channel, claiming that the governor of the US state of Georgia confused his own state with the country of Georgia and vetoed a law similar to FARA. Zakharova writes that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Senate are “creating a nightmare for democracy in Georgia.”

● Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze called opposition parties joining the “Georgian Charter” proposed by the president “fascists pretending to be liberals.” Most of the opposition has already joined the Charter. More about the Charter here

● Amid the adoption of the “foreign agents” law and the committee’s override of the president’s veto, the lari continues to depreciate: by 4.34 tetri against the dollar and 5.18 tetri against the euro.

● The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia responded to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s statement that Georgia, along with Abkhazians and Ossetians, will join the EU in 2023. “This populist statement was made before the elections and is aimed at the domestic audience,” the statement reads.

📷 The photo shows an announcement of the protest at the parliament.

● Today, the Republic of Armenia celebrates its Independence Day. On May 28, 1918, the Armenian National Council declared Armenia’s independence and proclaimed a republic with Yerevan as its capital. This marked the emergence of the First Republic of Armenia on the world map.

● Supporters of the opposition movement “Tavush for the Homeland” spent the night at the Sardarapat Memorial Complex, where today’s First Republic Day event will be held. Activists set up tents on the complex grounds and parked their cars to block Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan from accessing the memorial.

● An Armenian police officer’s authority has been suspended following an incident involving MP Ashot Simonyan, who was beaten by security forces during yesterday’s protest. The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that an internal investigation has been launched.

● In Yerevan, a total of 285 people were detained during protests, all of whom have since been released. The Armenian Apostolic Church condemned the disproportionate use of force by the police and called on law enforcement to respect the rights and freedoms of citizens, acting in strict accordance with humanitarian and legal standards.

● France is ready to assist in the aftermath of the flooding in the Tavush and Lori regions. This was stated by Georges Siffredi, President of the Hauts-de-Seine Department, during a meeting with the Armenian Prime Minister. Pashinyan expressed his appreciation for President Macron’s and France’s overall support for Armenia.

● The road from the Armenian-Georgian border to Yerevan has been restored after severe floods, though there are still restrictions, according to the State Revenue Committee’s press service. Specifically, only the first lane is open on one section of the road from the Bagratashen checkpoint to the village of Akhtanak (near the roundabout and the fork to Alaverdi and Noyemberyan), as well as on several sections between Ijevan and Dilijan.

● Today, Azerbaijan celebrates Independence Day. On May 28, 1918, the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was declared, which lasted until April 28, 1920.

● “Russia wants to open a consulate general in Khankendi this year and hopes for Azerbaijan’s support. This will help balance our mutual consular presence,” said Grigory Karasin, head of the Russian Federation Council’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, during a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart Samad Seyidov.

● “Paris has yet to apologize to Baku,” stated the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “France has not only failed to apologize for its statements about dictatorship in Azerbaijan but has continued its smear campaign in the French media. These attacks on Azerbaijan are an attempt to cover up France’s foreign policy failures,” noted MFA spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada.

● Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva attended the presentation of the Crescent Bay project and the opening of the “Crescent Mall” shopping center in Baku (see photo).

● Relations between Baku and Tehran are developing in the right direction, stated Iranian MFA representative Nasser Kanaani. He expressed hope for the resumption of the Azerbaijani embassy’s work in Iran as part of the cooperation between the two countries. The embassy’s activities were suspended after an armed attack in January 2023.

● A Baku court has rejected the appeal of former State Minister of the unrecognized NKR, Ruben Vardanyan. The court’s decision to extend his detention by five months remains in force. Vardanyan faces up to 14 years in prison.

● The ship “Khojaly” of the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company has been put into operation (see photo). It will be the first vessel to enter American waters under the Azerbaijani flag.

● The oldest voter in Azerbaijan is recorded as being 134 years old. This is Tamam Azizova, listed as a voter in Lankaran. She has raised ten children—both biological and adopted—and has 42 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren, and 31 great-great-grandchildren.

● Georgia marked Independence Day with two simultaneous yet contrasting events. While festivities led by the ruling party took place on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, a march of up to 100,000 protesters against the “foreign agents” law and in favor of Georgia’s return to the path of European integration unfolded in the Vake district. Opposing speeches at the solemn ceremony were delivered by the president and the prime minister, with the prime minister even referring to the president as a “traitor.” A brief summary is available here:

President Salome Zurabishvili’s speech
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s speech

● Today at 9:00, the parliamentary committee on legal affairs commenced discussions on the president’s veto of the “foreign agents” law. A protest rally urging the non-overriding of the veto is ongoing outside the parliament building.

● U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken: “We urge Georgia’s leaders to take steps in the right direction.”

● In her May 26 speech, the President introduced the “Georgian Charter,” proposing unity among all pro-European opposition parties. She emphasized that the agreement does not entail a unified electoral list or any form of political alliance.

● Opposition parties such as “Ahali,” “Lelo,” “European Georgia,” “Girchi – More Freedom,” “Droa,” and the “National Movement” have already joined the “Georgian Charter” proposed by the president.

● Executive Secretary of the “Georgian Dream” Mamuka Mdinaradze commented: “Zurabishvili presented not a Georgian, but a local military charter.”

● The Kremlin didn’t approve of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s speech at the Independence Day celebrations. The Prime Minister stated that Georgia, along with Abkhazians and Ossetians, would join the European Union by 2030. Responding to this, Grigory Karasin, the head of the Russian Federation Council’s International Affairs Committee, expressed his wishes, saying, “Speculating about how Georgia will live in 2030, no one can prohibit. They want to live in one state with Abkhazia and South Ossetia or, perhaps, with some other states – this is speculation. The main thing now is to ensure that the law identifies individuals maintained by foreign states and engaged in political and information activities. This is what we should base our actions on. The rest is just deceitful speculation,” Karasin said.

● Flooding occurred in the Marneuli district, as well as in adjacent areas of Armenia, submerging residential homes and various structures. Read and watch more here

Photo: JAMnews/David Pipia

● Since morning, police have been dispersing protesters who have blocked roads in central Yerevan. They are conducting acts of civil disobedience, demanding the resignation of Nikol Pashinyan. There have been arrests.

● Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan has been nominated as the sole candidate for prime minister by the protest movement (pictured). It is expected that he will lead the interim government after Nikol Pashinyan resigns. Galstanyan has even suspended his 30-year spiritual service to participate in political processes.

● Consequences of the flooding in Armenia: 269 people have been evacuated, and another 120 residents of Lori and Tavush have been rescued. Three people have died. Due to the overflow of the Debed River, the 31st kilometer of the Vanadzor-Alaverdi road towards Georgia is flooded, with a section of about 50 meters collapsed. Seven bridges and 70 structures are damaged. In Tavush, two bridges have collapsed, one is damaged, three residential houses are destroyed, and 45 houses, two hotels, and 18 other buildings are flooded (pictured).

● The embassies of France and the United States, along with the EU Ambassador to Armenia, Vasilis Maragos, have expressed solidarity with the residents of Lori and Tavush, as well as with the country’s authorities, and offer condolences to the flood victims.

● The Ministry of Defense of Armenia has reported the death of serviceman Ararat Aroyan. He sustained life-threatening injuries under undisclosed circumstances. Despite the efforts of hospital staff, the soldier could not be saved.

● President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree granting clemency to 154 individuals, including five from Afghanistan, two from Turkey, and one from Russia. The pardon does not extend to political prisoners.

● “Hosting COP29 in Baku is a good opportunity for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Yerevan has lifted its veto on Azerbaijan’s bid to host COP29, and in return, Baku has agreed to include Armenia in the conference’s executive committee. This demonstrates that both countries are capable of resolving their differences through direct bilateral talks,” said Elchin Amirbekov, a representative of the Azerbaijani president for special assignments.

● In the town of Hadrut, Armenian troops’ abandoned position revealed an air defense system, as reported by the defense ministry. It is noted that the system, which includes the operational missile guidance station “1S32” from the 2K11 Krug air defense system, along with several launcher units “2P24” equipped with guided anti-aircraft missiles “3M8,” was found in working condition.

● The first freight train from Azerbaijan arrived in Turkey via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. The train delivered 632 tons of plastic raw materials in 20 containers. The modernization and expansion works on the 184 km Georgian section of the BTK railway have been ongoing since 2023 and were completed on May 20, 2024.

● The Kura River has overflowed in Azerbaijan due to heavy rains in some parts of the country, but there is no threat to populated areas. The situation is under control, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

● Baku was shrouded in a dust haze throughout Sunday (pictured). The cause remains unclear.

● The Azerbaijan Automobile Federation organized the first “Speed Festival” in Baku (pictured). The event includes a car exhibition, races, and drift shows featuring US Legend Cars.

● Azerbaijani para-athlete Lamia Velieva became a four-time world champion. The 22-year-old athlete surpassed her competitors by running the 400-meter distance in 55.03 seconds in the T13 category in Kobe, Japan.

Top stories in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia from May 20-24, 2024