Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from September 16-20, 2024

● According to POLITICO, the European Union is prepared to terminate agreements that allow Georgian citizens to travel freely within the EU member states. The publication notes that this will mark a significant step in breaking relations between Brussels and what was once the most promising candidate country.

● European Commission foreign affairs spokesperson Peter Stano confirmed that the EU is “considering all options in response to the anti-democratic developments in Georgia, including a temporary suspension of visa liberalization.” Read more here

● Bidzina Ivanishvili, the oligarch and leader of the ruling party, stated at a rally in Rustavi that a “foreign-funded spy network in Georgia” had been exposed. “This network revealed itself after I pledged to apologize to the Ossetian people for the August 2008 war. Their reaction proves they are tasked with keeping Georgia in a state of conflict. Foreign intervention in the country’s internal affairs and dragging Georgia into war is unacceptable, and war criminals will be strictly punished,” Ivanishvili reiterated. Conflict expert Paata Zakareishvili commented: “The Georgian Dream is not interested in resolving the conflict; it wants to whitewash Russia’s image.” More on Zakareishvili’s commentary here.

● Mamuka Khazaradze, one of the leaders of the “Strong Georgia” coalition, stated that all members of the bloc were ready to sign an agreement to unite with the party of former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, but it was Gakharia who derailed the negotiations. In a Facebook post, Khazaradze said that on September 18, the three of them, along with the president, who acted as a mediator in the talks, agreed on a concrete plan that placed the “Strong Georgia” coalition and Gakharia’s party on equal footing. They were to unite under number 9, not support the formation of a new government involving the “Georgian Dream,” and finish building the Anaklia port with Western investment. Gakharia, however, released a statement claiming that disagreements within the “Strong Georgia” bloc were the reason for the failure of the union between the two influential opposition forces. Many experts believe that the alliance between these two could have played a key role in ousting oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili from power. Read more here

● Former president Mikheil Saakashvili, currently imprisoned, has called on opposition politicians Elene Khoshtaria, Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia, and Zurab Japaridze to unite with the electoral bloc led by the National Movement (founded by Saakashvili and the ruling party during his presidency). He made this statement while remotely attending a court session. According to him, “unity is essential to strengthen the opposition ahead of the parliamentary elections on October 26.”

● The United States has imposed sanctions on Russia’s “International Settlement Bank,” which for many years facilitated illegal financial transactions between Russia and North Korea through South Ossetia. This bank was involved in payments for fuel exports from Russia to North Korea. Additionally, two more Russian companies were sanctioned: “Stroytrade,” “RFK Bank,” Timer Bank, “CMR Bank,” and its vice president Dmitry Nikulin personally. The U.S. Treasury’s decision can be found here. More about how this structure operated can be read here.

● According to local media, agitators from the ruling “Georgian Dream” attacked representatives of the opposition bloc “Unity-National Movement” during their meeting with voters in Zugdidi. It is reported that the confrontation began verbally and escalated into a physical altercation. One of the victims of the attack was parliamentarian Ana Tsitlidze.

● Residents of the mining settlement Shukruti have been protesting outside parliament for nearly three weeks, demanding compensation for the damage caused to their homes by manganese mining in the region.

● Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze: “I am proud to be part of the team founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili (the oligarch considered the de facto ruler of Georgia).”

● According to an Edison Research public opinion poll, 64% of the population believes the country is moving in the wrong direction, while only 36% think it is on the right track.

● 26-year-old Beka Djaiani, accused of the brutal murder of 37-year-old transgender woman and well-known model Kesaria Abramidze, is exercising his right to remain silent. His lawyer, Salome Ardoteli, told reporters that he has not yet provided testimony and that charges would be brought against him today. The lawyer declined to answer additional questions, stating she does not know the details of the case. More on the murder here.

● Another Georgian citizen has been illegally detained by Russian forces in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone near the village of Zemo Artsevi. The State Security Service has activated the “hotline” managed by the EU Monitoring Mission.

● The President of Ukraine has awarded Georgian volunteer Rati Burduli the Order of Courage III degree (photo).

● The father of the head of the village council of Tsxunkuri in Tskaltubo District has accused his son of assault. 82-year-old Givi Sulaberidze claims that during an argument, his son Merab threw a stone at him. The police were called, and the elderly man was taken to the hospital. It is unclear whether a criminal case has been initiated.

● Armenia is addressing the final issue from the list of 41 deficiencies in order to be removed from the aviation “blacklist.” After this, Yerevan will invite European partners to conduct another audit, according to Minister of Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan.

● The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Southern Europe and Eurasia has arrived in Armenia.

● “Nikol Pashinyan’s statements about a threat to sovereignty from the CSTO contradict common sense. If something ‘threatens’ you, especially national security, then what is the point of saying that Armenia will remain in the CSTO for now?” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

● Over 36,000 apartment and house owners who rent out properties in Armenia have declared their income and are paying taxes, according to the State Revenue Committee.

● “Baku’s claims that there were no ethnic cleansings in Nagorno-Karabakh do not correspond to reality,” stated Michael Roth, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag of Germany.

● The current and former ombudsmen of the former unrecognized NKR, Gegham Stepanyan and Artak Beglaryan, submitted a statement to the International Criminal Court prosecutor demanding an investigation into crimes committed by Azerbaijan in Karabakh. “The deportation of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh bears all the hallmarks of a crime against humanity, and there are solid grounds for holding those responsible accountable under international criminal law,” the statement reads.

● Armenia’s head of the state protection service and his deputy have been granted the right to carry weapons and use physical force, according to a government decision.

● Today, Azerbaijan celebrates State Sovereignty Day.

● President Ilham Aliyev visited Agdam, Shusha, and Khankendi in Karabakh. He laid the foundation for a village, a stadium, and several factories in the Agdam region. In Shusha, he opened the Uzeir Hajibeyli Museum House and the Flag Square. Aliyev also reviewed the ongoing construction and restoration of cultural and tourist sites in Khankendi.

● The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Some groups in the U.S. Congress openly distort the situation in Azerbaijan.” This was in response to a hearing by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, where accusations were made against Azerbaijan. The Ministry added, “The participation of former separatist regime representatives crosses all boundaries. Azerbaijan’s counter-terrorism measures last year fully complied with international law.”

● “Azerbaijan has applied to join BRICS, recognizing the need for cooperation amid the complex global processes,” said Baku’s executive authority head, Eldar Azizov, at the “Cloud Cities: Forum on the Future of BRICS Cities” in Moscow.

● Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Kerim Valiyev is on an official visit to Italy.

● Patriarch Kirill awarded Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, head of the Caucasus Muslims Board, with the Russian Orthodox Church’s Order of St. Alexis, Metropolitan of Kyiv, Moscow, and All Russia. The award recognizes his contribution to interfaith dialogue, the preservation of traditional values in society, and his 75th birthday.

📸 Pictured: The Uzeir Hajibeyli Museum House in Shusha (Karabakh), dedicated to the Azerbaijani composer.

● The brutal murder of popular transgender woman Kesaria Abramidze has shocked the entire society. Many are expressing outrage and condolences to her family. The Public Defender, Levan Ioseliani, made a special statement: “This horrifying murder is yet another proof that law enforcement and the public are unaware of hate crimes committed based on gender identity. The response must be particularly severe. I hope the perpetrator will be punished as quickly and harshly as possible,” said Ioseliani. The murder occurred a day after the parliamentary majority, without the opposition’s participation, passed a discriminatory anti-LGBT law, which was strongly condemned by local civil society and many Western politicians. Georgian media reports that a suspect has been detained, though there has been no official statement yet.

● Chairman of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth, again addressed the ruling “Georgian Dream” party regarding the murder, urging them to repeal the recently adopted discriminatory and homophobic law. “Those who sow hatred will reap violence. Kesaria Abromidze was killed just a day after the LGBT ban law was passed in Georgia,” Roth wrote on his X account, calling the ruling party the “Georgian Nightmare.”

● Head of EU diplomacy Josep Borrell called on the Georgian authorities to repeal the law banning “LGBT propaganda.” The law will intensify stigmatization, may lead to discrimination and human rights violations, and will distance the country even further from joining the EU, Borrell said. Read more here

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the U.S. decision to impose sanctions on Georgia’s Special Forces Chief Zviad Kharazashvili (known as Kareba) an “insult to the state.” “If they (the U.S.) take even one more step like this, the Georgian government will have to reconsider its position regarding the U.S.,” Kobakhidze said. More on the sanctions here.

● State Department spokesman Matthew Miller commented on the Georgian prime minister’s statement that decisions in the U.S. are not made by the government but by “oligarchic forces.” “The U.S. is different from some countries in that it is a democratically elected government that makes political decisions, and no one else,” he said.

● The National Bank does not intend to apply U.S. sanctions against a Georgian citizen until a Georgian court makes such a decision. This was stated by the acting head of the National Bank, Natia Turnava. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Finance Giorgi Kakauridze told journalists that “Georgian banks will not face any obstacles in complying with U.S. Treasury sanctions.” Read more here

● Leader of the “For Georgia” party, former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, announced that an agreement might be reached today with Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the influential pre-election bloc “For a Strong Georgia,” on unification. Negotiations are taking place under the mediation of the president at her residence. Gakharia and Khazaradze have been longtime political rivals, and many commentators believe that ending this feud and forming a united bloc could play a decisive role in the opposition’s victory in the parliamentary elections on October 26. Read more here

● “Thank you to the President and Giorgi Gakharia for difficult and constructive negotiations. We will continue talks together with Salome Zourabichvili. There is very little time,” Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the “Strong Georgia” bloc, told journalists. According to him, the reason for the delayed negotiations is not related to the distribution of positions or the creation of electoral lists.

● It is the 18th day of the hunger strike outside parliament by residents of the mining settlement Shukruti, who are demanding compensation for their homes damaged by manganese mining. The protest began 190 days ago in Chiatura, western Georgia, where the mines are located. On September 1, participants moved their protest to the square in front of the parliament in Tbilisi. Several people have sewn their mouths shut in protest.

● “Georgia will not apologize!”—This slogan will be used in a protest organized by the youth movement “Dapioni” today at 7 p.m. near parliament. The protest is a response to a statement by the leader of the ruling party, oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, that the authorities will apologize to the Ossetian people for the 2008 August war. “Veterans, fathers’ generation—we, the youth, are waiting for you. Let’s stand together and respond to this disgraceful statement by the oligarch-collaborator. Those who apologize to the enemy are considered enemies. Let’s defend the honor of our people!” reads the announcement of the protest.

● One of Russia’s largest state-owned corporations, Rosatom, is interested in building small hydroelectric power plants in Georgia and Armenia, said the company’s CEO, Yevgeny Salkov. In an interview with the Russian agency TASS, he said that the company is already planning the construction of a second hydroelectric power plant in Kyrgyzstan.

● British EasyJet will begin flights to Tbilisi from London, Milan, and Geneva on March 31, 2025. Prices on the EasyJet website are currently attractive, around 40 pounds for a one-way flight.

📸 Poster announcing today’s protest of the “Dapioni” movement.

● Exactly one year ago, on September 19, 2023, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched an anti-terror operation in Karabakh, which ended with the capitulation of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic within a day.

● In Azerbaijan, September 20 has been established as the Day of the Cities of Khankendi, Khojaly, Khojavend, and Aghdere. All these cities returned to Azerbaijani control as a result of the Second Karabakh War in 2020.

●  “Armenia submitted its latest proposals on the peace treaty more than 70 days after receiving Azerbaijan’s proposals. That is a very long time. If Armenia is serious about advancing the peace treaty and is interested in this issue, then this delay raises questions,” said Hikmet Hajiyev, an aide to the President, in a statement to journalists.

● Hikmet Hajiyev: “During the occupation, Armenia massively destroyed Azerbaijani territories, including private and state property. Now the Azerbaijani government is spending resources on reconstruction, building, and demining. Armenia caused the destruction, and Azerbaijan suffers from it. But the international community is providing financial aid to Armenia. This is a paradox.”

● Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, during a meeting in Baku with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joshua Huck, expressed outrage over comments made by USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman. “Almost a year ago, the Azerbaijani government attacked and took control of Nagorno-Karabakh, forcing over 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee their homes,” Coleman said at the Armenian Embassy in the U.S. “This is disrespectful to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan,” Jeyhun Bayramov responded.

● Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Baku visited the Kelbajar region, which returned to Azerbaijani control as a result of the Second Karabakh War in 2020. “The changes are impressive. You can see the efforts Azerbaijan is making to restore the Karabakh region,” Russian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mikhail Yevdokimov told journalists during the visit.

● Senior officers of the Iranian Armed Forces visited the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran. There was an exchange of views on issues of bilateral cooperation.

● The Central Bank of Azerbaijan has kept the interest rate unchanged at 7.25%.

● “We suspended our membership in the CSTO not only because the organization fails to fulfill its obligations to ensure Armenia’s security but also because the CSTO poses threats to Armenia’s security, its continued existence, sovereignty, and statehood,” stated Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the Pan-Armenian Forum.

● “Moscow strongly disagrees with Nikol Pashinyan: the CSTO does not pose any threat to Armenia. On the contrary, the organization protects the sovereignty of its member states. We will patiently communicate this position to the Armenian leadership,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

● “Previously, our military-technical cooperation with Russia was over 96%, but in the past three to four years, it has dropped to 10% or even less. This is a political achievement of the past few years. Today, we have several important partners in the field of military-technical cooperation. One is India, another is France, and we are looking for more partners,” said Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan.

● Nikol Pashinyan is open to purchasing gas from Azerbaijan if a transit pipeline passes through Armenian territory. “For example, if we imagine a pipeline passing through Armenia from Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan or Turkey: such an option cannot be ruled out,” he said at the World Armenian Summit.

● The question of Armenia’s potential EU membership falls within the sovereign rights of the republic; the country chooses its own development path, stated Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

● The father and brother of opposition MP Anna Mkrtchyan have been summoned by the prosecutor’s office in a case concerning illegally acquired property, according to the official announcements site Azdarar.am. Ara Mkrtchyan (the father), head of the Kasakh community in the Aragatsotn region, was previously arrested on charges of coercing citizens to vote for the “I Have Honor” bloc. He was later released on bail of $37,500. He is also involved in a case regarding the misappropriation of funds.

● The U.S. Helsinki Commission called the sanctions imposed by the State Department on two Georgian security officials and two leaders of the pro-Russian movement a “demonstration of solidarity with the people of Georgia.” The commission stated that the government’s actions go against the will of the Georgian people and contradict the country’s constitution, which aims for Euro-Atlantic integration. “The Georgian people deserve a government that respects their laws and freedoms,” the statement said. More details on sanctions and visa restrictions for 60 members of the Georgian government and parliament here.

● “The U.S. has reached a critical limit, and if there is one more decision like this, Georgia will significantly reconsider bilateral relations,” said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan following the State Department’s sanctions. The press release also mentioned that Kobakhidze “expressed personal respect for the ambassador.”

● Freedom House called the newly passed “Family Values” law, adopted in its third reading, a homophobic and propagandistic attack on the LGBT+ community and fundamental freedoms. “This is an assault on the LGBT+ community and the rights of all Georgians. Just like the ‘foreign agents’ law passed in May, this legislation directly copies the Kremlin’s authoritarian playbook. We urge the Georgian government to change its course,” the statement said.

• The bill includes 19 legislative acts, along with constitutional amendments, and prohibits same-sex unions, adoption by non-heterosexuals, gender reassignment surgery, and the listing of non-biological gender on documents. It also bans “LGBT propaganda” in schools, media, and public spaces.

• The law required only a simple majority of parliamentary votes for approval. However, constitutional amendments must be supported by 3/4 of the deputies. The current parliament does not have enough votes for “Georgian Dream” to pass these amendments. Party representatives are urging the public to vote for them in the October 26 elections, promising to secure a constitutional majority in the new parliament and immediately change the relevant articles in the constitution. As it stands, the constitution guarantees full equality for all people, regardless of gender identity or orientation. Read more here

● The UK Embassy expressed concern over the approval of the propagandist, homophobic law, stating that it undermines fundamental human rights, including freedom of speech and assembly.

● The EU has already agreed to suspend visa-free travel for Georgia after the October parliamentary elections if the government does not reverse its anti-democratic course, according to Georgian TV channel Formula. However, this information has not been confirmed by Ricard Jozwiak, the chief editor of Radio Free Europe’s European Bureau, who is known for accurate insider predictions. More details here.

● Chairman of the German Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth, posted an emotional message following his meeting with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili in Tbilisi. “If you’re looking for a brave politician, you’ll find her in Georgia! Zourabichvili is the guarantor of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future against the authoritarian regime. She is a true hero!” Roth wrote.

● Badri Japaridze, one of the leaders of the opposition party “Lelo,” announced “significant progress” in talks to form an alliance with the opposition party “For Georgia,” founded by former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia. Gakharia stated that his party supports efforts to ensure democratic elections that will return the country to a European path of development. More details here.

● The EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) expressed deep concern after its staff was detained for several hours by Russian forces while patrolling near the administrative border with Abkhazia.

● Russian forces illegally detained two Georgian citizens in the South Ossetia conflict zone near the village of Mejvriskhevi in the Gori district. All mechanisms have been activated to secure their swift release, according to Georgia’s State Security Service.

● The 10th Parliament held its final session yesterday. According to regulations, no plenary sessions are held one month before elections, but additional sessions may be called with the majority’s approval.

● Georgian soldier Giorgi Roinishvili died in battle in Ukraine while fighting with the Ukrainian army in the special unit “Tbilisi.” Three other Georgian soldiers were wounded, according to the unit.

The photo by Interpressnews shows opposition leaders Mamuka Khazaradze (“Lelo”) and Giorgi Gakharia (“For Georgia”) entering the President’s residence at Orbeliani Palace for talks on forming an election bloc.

● Advanced French language studies will be introduced in 19 schools in Armenia, following an agreement signed by Minister of Education and Science Zhanna Andreasyan and French Ambassador Olivier Decottignies. This initiative comes amid restrictions on the Russian language, which lost its priority status at the beginning of this school year. Schools can now decide how many hours to allocate to Russian.

● Armenia’s Food Safety Inspection will test fruits and vegetables for pesticides and heavy metals. Laboratory checks, totaling just over 2,400, will be conducted in the largest farms and agro-holdings across all regions, following EAEU standards. Only corn will be tested for GMOs, while fruits, vegetables, and melons will be checked for pesticides and heavy metals.

● A new bronze cross has been installed on the dome of the main church of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Etchmiadzin. Although not an exact replica of the old brass cross, it visually resembles the original, according to architect Amiran Badishyan. The previous cross, placed on the church in the 17th century, is now preserved in the complex’s museum. Some parts of the church were in critical condition, but everything has now been restored, with the participation of leading specialists from the republic.

● Washington is “eager” to organize a meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia, according to State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.

● “Currently, about 80% of the provisions of the peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan are agreed upon. However, unresolved points cannot be excluded from the treaty. For a peace agreement to be lasting and successful, the remaining problematic issues must be clarified. As long as Armenia does not remove its claims against Azerbaijan from its legislative acts, peace between the two countries is out of the question,” said Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Aykhan Hajizade in an interview with Report.

● Official Baku sharply criticized the government program published by the Netherlands. “The country once again shows bias against Azerbaijan and the current regional situation in the post-conflict period,” said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Aykhan Hajizade, commenting on the section on “International Security.” “It is unacceptable for the Netherlands to label the liberation of Azerbaijan’s occupied territories as the ‘seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh.’ The Karabakh region has always been an integral part of Azerbaijan and was under Armenian occupation for nearly 30 years,” Hajizade stated.

● Azerbaijan is cutting its defense and security spending by almost 7%, according to the Ministry of Finance. In 2025, 6.6583 billion manats (around $3.9 billion) will be allocated to this sector, 6.6% less than the 2024 forecast.

● Azerbaijan will allocate 4 billion manats (around $2.35 billion) in 2025 for the reconstruction of Karabakh and East Zangezur, a 17.6% decrease compared to the 2024 forecast.

● In 2025, the US dollar exchange rate in Azerbaijan is projected to be 1.7 manats. The national currency has remained stable since March 7, 2018.

📸 Yanar Dag – the burning mountain on the outskirts of Baku.

● The US has imposed sanctions on the head of Georgia’s special forces, Zviad Kharazishvili (known by the nickname Kareba), his deputy Mileri Lagazauri, as well as the leaders of the pro-Russian movement Alt-info, Koka Morgoshia, and Zura Makhardze. The State Department has also introduced visa restrictions for over 60 members of the Georgian government and parliament, including their family members. Both decisions were made due to the undermining of democracy, brutal suppression of peaceful protests, and the crackdown on political opponents. The State Department statement notes that those sanctioned “abused their authority to restrict the fundamental freedoms of the Georgian people.” Read more here

● Member of Parliament and former President of the National Bank, Roman Gotsiridze, stated that Georgian banks that continue to serve individuals under US sanctions will themselves immediately fall under sanctions. According to Gotsiridze, commercial banks must immediately start applying sanctions against these individuals, otherwise, the entire banking system of the country will face international isolation, leading to the collapse of the financial system.

● State Department representative Matthew Miller said at a briefing in Washington that these sanctions and restrictions are the “result of an ongoing review of bilateral cooperation between the US and Georgia.” Miller reiterated concerns over “anti-democratic actions by Georgian authorities that are incompatible with EU and NATO membership norms.” He also noted that the “Georgian government can return to the Euro-Atlantic trajectory by holding free and fair parliamentary elections in October and showing measurable progress in implementing the recommendations for reforms required for EU membership.”

● President Salome Zourabichvili: “I believed that they [Georgian Dream] were building the future we wanted, that we were quickly moving along the European path. They even wrote it into the constitution. And suddenly we found ourselves offside. It’s not just disappointment; it’s an inner anger that I didn’t see something in time, didn’t understand that I was deceived, that the people and the country were deceived.”

● Georgian Dream member and vice speaker of parliament Nino Tsilosani on the new US sanctions: “Historically, so many of our citizens have made so many sacrifices for our country, and this sacrifice is nothing compared to theirs. Those who were sanctioned don’t even know why. The US has neither publicly nor privately explained why these people are being sanctioned. This is a gross interference in Georgia’s affairs, especially since none of those sanctioned are under criminal investigation or proven guilty.”

● Leader of the parliamentary majority Mamuka Mdinaradze accuses the US of trying to interfere in Georgia’s elections, echoing similar statements repeatedly made by the Kremlin.

● US State Department representative Matthew Miller commented on the statement by the leader of the ruling Georgian Dream, oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, that Georgian authorities will apologize to the Ossetian people for the 2008 war. “I don’t think Georgia needs to apologize for the Russian invasion. Moreover, there’s no need to apologize because Russia continues to illegally occupy 20% of Georgia’s territory. It is Russia that is the aggressor and continues the illegal occupation of Georgia. Of course, the clear example of this is Ukraine.”

● President Salome Zourabichvili has called for the unification of the party of former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, “For Georgia,” and the pre-election bloc “Strong Georgia” (which includes the parties “Lelo,” “For the People,” “Citizens,” and “Freedom Square”). She offered to host consultations at her residence. “This is important for the success of the opposition in the parliamentary elections on October 26. Voters need a positive third option, and I am ready to contribute as a neutral party,” said Zourabichvili.

● Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, following a one-day official visit to Georgia, called the relations between Yerevan and Tbilisi “a model for cooperation between countries in the region.” “Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty is a key factor for peace and stability in the South Caucasus,” Pashinyan said at a joint press conference with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The Georgian PM thanked Pashinyan for supporting Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including support for the UN resolution on Georgian displaced persons.

● The Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan submitted documents to the Constitutional Court for approval of the parliamentary election results.

● U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called President Ilham Aliyev. “The president noted that Azerbaijan’s efforts have created new realities in the region based on international law. He emphasized that Baku initiated the peace treaty, but for it to be signed, Armenia must end its territorial claims against Azerbaijan in its Constitution and other legal acts. It is also important that the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group and all related institutions cease,” the presidential press service reported.

● After the conclusion of the Formula 1 event in Baku, all road restrictions were lifted. Streets and avenues that had been closed for the race are now open to drivers.

● On September 16, Azerbaijan celebrated Knowledge Day, marking the start of the school year. Over 130,000 children entered first grade.

● Paris will continue its defense cooperation with Yerevan to ensure Armenia can protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty, said the French Foreign Minister. He emphasized that the defense collaboration between the two countries is not aimed at escalating the regional situation, a sentiment echoed during a briefing with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan by Stéphane Séjourné. Read more here

● Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made an official visit to Georgia. During a joint briefing, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze welcomed Yerevan’s efforts to normalize relations with its neighbors. Pashinyan noted that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on about 80% of the peace treaty and stressed that peace would benefit not only both countries but also Georgia, Turkey, and Iran.

● A bust of the goddess Anahit from the British Museum collection has been brought to the Museum of Armenian History. The statue fragment will be on display in Yerevan starting September 21.

● Armenian opposition MP Armen Gevorgyan from the “Hayastan” faction and PACE representative will observe Georgia’s parliamentary elections on October 26. No pro-government deputies will join this year’s monitoring mission.

● The police patrol service will begin preventive measures to ensure the safe operation of public transport. Special attention will be given to the technical condition of vehicles, drivers’ documents, and their health.

● Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party and oligarch, stated that the government would be ready to apologize to the Ossetian people for the August 2008 war. During a meeting in Gori, Ivanishvili discussed Georgia’s plans to restore territorial integrity, blaming not Russia, but the former government of Mikheil Saakashvili for the conflict, and announced a “Nuremberg trial” for Saakashvili’s United National Movement.

● A protest against Ivanishvili’s statement was held outside the Georgian Parliament in Tbilisi (pictured). The youth movement “Dapioni” organized the rally, where participants called the statement an insult to Georgia and its heroes, chanting “No to Kremlin’s dictatorship!”

● Another protest under the slogan “Apologize? Never!” took place outside the Meskhishvili Theater in Kutaisi.

● Families of Georgian soldiers who died in the August 2008 war condemned Ivanishvili’s comments.

• “I’m sorry, it seems we don’t deserve your sacrifice,” wrote Valeri Elizbarashvili, son of Colonel David Elizbarashvili, who died heroically in the war.

• “I’m ashamed that you cannot rest in peace,” wrote Mari Samushia, wife of fallen hero Tamaz Nikitin.

• “Who should the families of the heroes of the Battle of Shindisi apologize to? What should we tell our children? Their father sacrificed himself to defend our country. And what do you want to tell them? That we are the aggressors? Or that he fought against the aggressors? What can I say to his soul? What should our children be proud of? And what does the government think when they come and pose for photos at Emzar’s grave—what do they think, who was Emzar?” wrote Teo Tsilosani, wife of Emzar Tsilosani, a hero of the Battle of Shindisi, on social media.

● Opposition Georgian politicians sharply criticized Ivanishvili’s statement, calling it “an act against history, the country, and the people.”

● Ivanishvili’s statement was praised by Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of Russian state media Russia Today: “Georgia is acting disarmingly rational, like it just woke up from a long drunken stupor. “We warmly welcome it!”

●  In South Ossetia, politicians, journalists, and bloggers responded, stating that Georgia must not only apologize for the 2008 war but also for Zviad Gamsakhurdia’s nationalist policies and the early 1990s conflict, while also recognizing South Ossetia’s independence. Read more here

● In Abkhazia, journalist and administrator of the Telegram channel “Abkhazian Portal” David Gobechia, along with Liya Agrba, an activist from the youth movement Hara X-Pitsunda, were assaulted.  They claim the authorities are trying to intimidate them. Read more here

● Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrives in Tbilisi today for an official visit. He is scheduled to meet with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, with additional talks in an expanded format. Following their meeting, Kobakhidze and Pashinyan will make joint statements to the media, according to the Georgian Prime Minister’s press office.

● Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova: “In Moldova, it’s Sandu; in Ukraine, Zelensky; in Georgia, Saakashvili—these are terminator-like figures implanted by the West. They explode the moment a button is pressed there. These people hold their country’s passports, know the language and culture, but change as soon as they receive orders.”

● Armenia may upgrade its Su-30s with help from India, according to Ovanes Vardanyan, head of the Armenian Air Force, in an interview with Hindustan Times. The discussion comes amid Armenia’s orders for Indian missile systems, artillery, and radars. Vardanyan mentioned having discussed potential cooperation with Indian defense chief General Anil Chauhan, and a senior Indian official confirmed Armenia’s interest in upgrading its Su-30s through Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

● Today, Nikol Pashinyan is on an official visit to Georgia. The reception ceremony at the Georgian government administration in Tbilisi is scheduled for 2:00 PM. Pashinyan will hold talks with Georgian Prime Minister Kobakhidze both bilaterally and in an extended format, followed by media statements.

● Armenian opposition representatives have made their first visit to the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), which is still recognized internationally as part of Ukraine. Andranik Tevanyan, leader of the opposition faction “Mother Armenia,” traveled to Donetsk and met with local lawmakers. Tevanyan stated that the visit, organized by the local Armenian community, was for familiarization and humanitarian purposes. During the visit, Tevanyan and Valery Skorokhodov, head of the “United Russia” faction, exchanged gifts and agreed to strengthen relations.

● The Armenian women’s chess team secured their fifth consecutive victory in the fifth round of the 45th World Chess Olympiad, defeating China 2.5–1.5. The men’s team also won with the same score against Switzerland, according to the Armenian Chess Federation.

● Starting today, a regular bus service from Baku to Karabakh will be available, covering the route from Khojaly to Khankendi and Shusha.

● The receding Caspian Sea has exposed around 9,000 hectares in Azerbaijan’s Neftchala district. The last sea-level rise was recorded in 1982. Since 1996, the water has been gradually retreating, with accelerated decline from 2015-2020. Scientists warn that if this trend continues, coastal countries will soon face socio-economic issues.

● McLaren driver Oscar Piastri won the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Formula 1.

● Ivana Knoll, Miss Croatia 2016 and known from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, arrived in Baku but missed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after her luggage was lost at Istanbul Airport. “It had all my clothes. I’m very upset,” she posted on social media.

●  In Ganja, a 15-year-old boy stabbed his 18-year-old ex-wife multiple times. Local media reports she began living with another man after their unofficial divorce.

● An attempt to smuggle medications from Georgia into Azerbaijan was thwarted. Customs officers found 15,403 medicines and 114 syringe pens in a train locomotive.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from September 9-13, 2024