Top stories in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia from 22-26 April, 2024

● As part of the agreement reached with Yerevan on border delimitation, Azerbaijan has already installed 20 border markers along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, according to Azerbaijani government officials.

●  The remains of six more people were discovered in Khojaly, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s Office reports.

●  Ilham Aliyev and Olaf Scholz will hold talks in Berlin today. The President of Azerbaijan and the Chancellor of Germany will discuss bilateral relations, as well as foreign policy, security, economic, and energy issues. Aliyev will also participate in the high-level segment of the “15th Petersberg Climate Dialogue”.

●  The state visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, to Azerbaijan has concluded. On the second day of the visit, Ilham Aliyev and Sadyr Japarov attended a ceremony to lay the foundation stone for a school in the village of Khidirli in Agdam. Aliyev presented Japarov with a Karabakh horse.

● Hungary is developing a plan for its participation in the reconstruction of Karabakh. “By November, the plan will be ready, allowing us to determine the areas in which Hungarian companies can participate,” said Peter Szijjarto, the country’s Foreign Minister.

● Starting from April 27, Azerbaijani citizens will be able to visit Lachin in their own cars.

● The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the Azerbaijani authorities “for repressions against civil society”. Members of the European Parliament called on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Ilham Ismayil, a human rights defender arrested in December 2023, and all other political prisoners, including EU and other foreign nationals.

●  The Azerbaijani Parliament protested against the European Parliament’s resolution, considering it “a biased political action against Azerbaijan”. “Such biased campaigns against our country not only harm the prospects of developing bilateral relations but also deal a new blow to the reputation of the European Parliament,” parliamentarians said.

● President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev invited the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, to COP29 in Baku.

● Cooperation in military, military-technical, and other areas was discussed in Baku between Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Defense Minister Sultan Kamaltdinov.

● Former Azerbaijani Ombudsman Elmira Suleymanova passed away at the age of 87.

● Two Hungarian pharmaceutical companies will start production in Azerbaijan from 2025. The enterprises will produce 90 types of medicinal products.

●  Several roads in Yerevan’s centre have been blocked in support of the residents of Tavush who are protesting against the transfer of four villages to Azerbaijan as part of the recent border delimitation agreement with Baku.

●   In Tavush, 20 border markers have already been installed as of April 25, according to government officials.

●  Ruben Vardanyan has ended his hunger strike in a Baku prison, as reported by his family members. After a 21-day hiatus, Azerbaijani authorities allowed the businessman to contact his family, after which Vardanyan spoke with his wife, Veronika Zonabend. At the request of his family, the former minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic agreed to end his hunger strike.

●  “I view it positively, we need to discuss this issue”: the speaker of the Armenian parliament on the possibility of purchasing gas from Azerbaijan.

●   Armenian boxer Narek Manasyan defeated Cuban boxer Alfonso Loren Berto competing under the Azerbaijani flag and advanced to the finals at the European Championship in Belgrade.

●   French journalist of Armenian descent Leo Nikolyan continues his hunger strike at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan in protest against the entry ban. He stated that he will continue his protest until the reasons for the entry ban are clearly explained to him in writing.

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze criticized “so-called liberals” during his speech at a conference of conservative political forces in Hungary. He accused “liberals” of opposing Christianity and advocating for LGBT rights and drug use. Read more here

● Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban praised the Georgian prime minister as “a skilled player in Georgian politics” and affirmed Hungary’s unwavering support for Georgia’s journey towards joining the European Union and Euro-Atlantic integration.

● The European Parliament passed a special resolution regarding the proposed “foreign agents” law in Georgia. The resolution suggests reconsidering the visa-free regime with Georgia and imposing sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the oligarch and honorary chairman of the ruling party, among other measures. Read more here

● The Georgian authorities and ruling party leadership reacted with outrage to the European Parliament resolution, labeling it “shameless” and aimed at harming Georgia. The Parliament Speaker stated that European Parliament resolutions hold no legal weight, while the Foreign Ministry asserted that Georgia’s visa-free regime with the EU remains intact and emphasized Georgia’s commitment to its European future.

● The claims of the Georgian authorities were contradicted by the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, who issued a second warning to Georgia’s political leaders, cautioning against straying from the European path. Borrell warned that passing the law would endanger Georgia’s progress toward EU integration. Read more here

● Tbilisi Mayor and ruling party secretary Kakha Kaladze offered European assistance in combating “agents” who undermine the European ideal. He stressed Georgia’s importance to Europe and its experience in countering external influence. However, he did not specify whom he referred to, though many speculated he was alluding to the “Rose Revolution” led by Mikheil Saakashvili.

● 126 Georgian NGOs announced a halt in cooperation with the authorities as long as the “foreign agents” law is under consideration. They vowed never to register as “foreign agents” and called on citizens to gather for a protest on Sunday, April 28, at 19:00 on Republic Square in Tbilisi. Further details available here

● Several thousand individuals participated in a march and sit-in in front of parliament on the 11th day (and night) of protests against the “foreign agents” bill.

● Between January and March, Georgia registered 379 asylum seekers, with the majority coming from Ukraine (66) and India (51). This was followed by Iran (45) and Turkey (43), with 23 asylum seekers from Russia.

Photo JAMnews/David Pipia

● Archbishop Zenon of Dmanisi and Agarak-Tashir expressed concern on Facebook, stating, “The bill ‘on foreign agents’ contradicts the Constitution and poses a threat of stigmatizing the Georgian Orthodox Church. It’s unclear why citizens must register as representatives of a foreign state if the aim is solely financial transparency.”

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze will speak today at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Hungary, joining Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for the opening session.

● EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Josep Borrell reiterated his call for the Georgian government to withdraw the “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” law, warning that its adoption would steer Georgia away from the European Union’s path.

● Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda discussed recent events in Georgia with President Salome Zurabishvili, expressing concern about the law on foreign agents and its potential impact on Georgia’s European integration. Nausėda affirmed Lithuania’s support for Georgian civil society in pursuit of a European future.

● Activist Lazare Grigoriadis, recently released under a presidential amnesty, participated in yesterday’s protest in Tbilisi, emphasizing the importance of people’s active involvement and urging protest against the Russian law. Read more here

● Three participants in the protests against the draft law “on foreign agents” were fined 2,500-2,600 lari each on charges of petty hooliganism and disobedience to police orders. Among them were members of the “Girchi – More Freedom” party, Gela Khasaya, General Secretary of the “Lelo” party Irakli Kupradze, and activist Otar Murvelashvili.

● The European Parliament will vote today on a resolution concerning the bill on “foreign agents” in Georgia. The draft resolution highlights that the bill contradicts EU values and democratic principles, undermines Georgia’s EU aspirations, tarnishes its international reputation, and jeopardizes its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

● Natalia Sabanadze of the “For Georgia” party warned that adopting the law would likely lead to sanctions and reduced assistance, as it criminalizes Western assistance, development programs, and democracy promotion.

● The Ombudsman reported gross violations of instrument sterilization processes and disregarded requirements for washing and storing bed linen during monitoring of medical institutions.

● Ilham Aliyev stated that the decision for the early withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers from Karabakh was made following consultations between Baku and Moscow, strengthening Russian-Azerbaijani ties.

● The proposal to initiate border delimitation with Armenia from four villages originated from Baku, according to Ilham Aliyev. The president noted that approximately 10-12 km of the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been delimited.

● Presidential Representative for Special Assignments Elchin Amirbekov expressed optimism about signing a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia, citing the recent delimitation agreement reached through direct contact between the parties.

● Ilham Aliyev did not rule out the possibility of Armenia purchasing Azerbaijani gas in the future, emphasizing the natural potential for cooperation due to proximity and existing infrastructure.

● Peter Szijjártó, the head of the Hungarian Foreign Ministry, arrived in Baku to participate in the 10th meeting of the Azerbaijani-Hungarian intergovernmental commission.

● Ilham Aliyev and Sadyr Japarov attended the unveiling of a monument to Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov in Baku.

● Special Representative of the President Vahid Hajiyev announced plans for approximately 40 thousand former internally displaced persons to gradually return to the Gubadli, Zangilan, and Jebrail regions by the end of 2026.

● The former chief pediatrician of Azerbaijan, 73-year-old professor Nasib Guliyev, committed suicide at his dacha near Baku, leaving a suicide note. A criminal case has been initiated.

● An emergency was declared at Baku airport due to an Air France plane. A Boeing 777 flying from Osaka to Paris made an emergency landing because of smoke on board. All 280 passengers were evacuated without injuries.

● Azerbaijan has significantly reduced car imports from Georgia by 65%. In the first quarter of the year, the country purchased 4,747 vehicles, a 64.6% decrease compared to 2023.

● Russian Cinema Days kicked off in Baku, featuring four Russian films and one cartoon. The festival will run until April 27.

📸 Photo: Peter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary

● Across the country, ceremonies were held to commemorate the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 in the Ottoman Empire. Similar events were organized by Armenian communities worldwide.

● The incident involving Nikol Pashinyan’s wife and daughter is sparking active discussions on social media. Witnesses at the Memorial shouted insults at Nikol Pashinyan upon seeing Anna Hakobyan and her daughter. Video footage shows Hakobyan comforting her youngest daughter. Some argue that such actions were inappropriate, especially in the presence of a minor child, while others believe Hakobyan should have anticipated such reactions and refrained from bringing her child.

● The US President reiterated the phrase “Armenian Genocide” in his annual message, emphasizing the importance of remembering the victims and pledging never to forget the tragedy.

● Former President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, expressed concern that the current delimitation process with Azerbaijan is leading to new challenges rather than peace.

● In Yerevan, police detained supporters of the National Democratic Pole who were protesting and demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation. Ninety-six individuals were detained for failing to comply with police orders.

● Protests against border delimitation persist in Tavush, with locals accusing the government of conceding territories to Azerbaijan. Read more here

● Armenian boxers achieved remarkable success at the European Championships in Serbia, securing seven medals for the national team.

● Today marks a day of mourning in Armenia to honor the victims of the Genocide in the Ottoman Empire. Armenians inhabited various regions within the Ottoman Empire, with a population of 2,660,000 ethnic Armenians in provinces like Van, Bitlis, Erzurum, Harbor, Diyarbakir, Sebastia, Adana, Marash, and others in 1882. However, after 1915, the population dwindled to only 281,000 in these areas. While Armenia, along with several Western countries and international organizations, officially recognizes these events as genocide, Turkey and Azerbaijan vehemently reject this classification.

● Currently, a memorial prayer service commemorating the 1.5 million martyrs is underway at the Memorial to the Victims of the Armenian Genocide. Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II led the recitation of the “Our Father” prayer. Earlier today, individuals, including government officials, laid flowers and wreaths at the memorial.

● “We must cease our quest for a homeland,” Nikol Pashinyan conveyed this message to the nation on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Drawing inspiration from the Old Testament’s “Exodus,” the Prime Minister likened present-day Armenia to “the promised land, where milk and honey flow.”

● Approximately 20 individuals participating in protests against border demarcation and the return of four villages to Azerbaijan were apprehended on the Bagratashen-Alaverdi road. These protests had caused road closures throughout the previous day. Read more here

● “The balance of power in the South Caucasus may change if Armenia leaves the CSTO,” stated Imangali Tasmagambetov, the Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) operating under Russia’s auspices, “the consequences are quite difficult to predict.”

● Armen Grigoryan, the Secretary of the Security Council, will not attend an international meeting of high-level security representatives in St. Petersburg, as reported by Armenpress.

● Two border posts were erected near Tavush on the border with Azerbaijan, although the specific location was not disclosed.

● Members of the European Parliament have called for sanctions against those responsible for the reintroduction of the “foreign agents” bill in the Georgian parliament: oligarch and honorary chairman of the ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili; deputies who supported the bill in its initial reading; and high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In Tbilisi, protests against the bill have persisted for a second week, drawing tens of thousands of participants.

● In response to this plea from the European Parliament, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze criticized the MEPs as “arrogant and biased.”

● Member of the European Parliament Michael Haller stated, “We express solidarity with the protest of the people of Georgia, which is taking place under Georgian and European flags. It is necessary to introduce sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, because it is he who stands behind the scenes and sets the agenda.”

● Mamuka Mdinaradze, one of the leaders of the ruling Georgian Dream party, stated that he was “amazed” by the European Parliament’s reaction. He remarked, “Who would have envisioned a few years ago that the individual who proposed bills concerning funding transparency and family values in parliamentary discussions would become the target of a deliberate, coordinated assault?”

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated, “The US State Department is spreading lies about alleged human rights violations in Georgia, including the claim that the former director of the independent TV channel ‘Mtavari Arkhi,’ Nika Gvaramia, was a political prisoner [jailed from May 2022 to June 2023]. This concerns the annual report by the US State Department on the human rights situation worldwide, including in Georgia, in 2023. “The State Department funded NGOs in Georgia, they told everyone lies, and then the State Department included these lies in their report,” the prime minister said.

● Georgian Dream MP Beki Odisharia, who previously used offensive language towards female deputies, has been removed from the list of honorary consuls of Latvia on the website of the Latvian Foreign Ministry. Only Mikhail Khundadze remains on the list as of the latest update on April 16.

● Rasa Yuknevichiene, a member of the European Parliament, emphasized “the need for Georgia to rid itself of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s influence,” advocating for “debidzinization” rather than adopting laws modeled after Russia’s.”

● The Georgian Trade Union Union condemned the ruling party’s proposed “foreign agents” bill, labeling it as unacceptable.

● Thirty-five opposition MPs have proposed establishing a parliamentary commission to investigate allegations of corruption against former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. Questions have arisen regarding the source of substantial support for Garibashvili’s family, mainly from his retired father, as indicated in his recent financial declaration. What’s behind the scenes of this statement and where does a pensioner get so much money – read more here

● The Office of the Public Defender has requested an opinion from the OSCE on a draft law aimed at abolishing gender quotas in the compilation of party lists for parliamentary elections.

● The Media Advocacy Coalition highlighted an assault on Formula TV journalist Iya Sartania, who was attacked by an unidentified individual in the subway. Sartania believes the attack was prompted by her bag, which displayed the logo of the independent TV channel “Formula.” The alleged assailant has been apprehended.

● Alexander Meskhi has been appointed as the new director of the Republican Hospital in Tbilisi by the Ministry of Health. The minister announced that Meskhi would soon present an action plan to address the clinic’s issues, which had previously sparked months of protests over plans to demolish it due to its outdated facilities.

Photo JAMnews/David Pipia

● The installation of the first border pillar marks the beginning of the border demarcation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. As per the agreement, four villages, previously termed as “non-enclaves” in Baku, have been returned to Azerbaijan. Read more here

● “The return of four Azerbaijani villages by Armenia signifies promising progress for the future peace process,” stated Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov during his address at the CEVRO Institute in the Czech Republic.

● Today, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov will start his official visit to Azerbaijan. He will hold discussions with President Ilham Aliyev and participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for a school construction in Agdam.

● “Azerbaijan has no intentions of joining the EAEU,” affirmed Ilham Aliyev at the international forum “COP29 and a green vision for Azerbaijan” held at ADA University in Baku.

● “Armenia has agreed not to include Nagorno-Karabakh in a peace agreement. This implies that the primary obstacle no longer exists,” declared Ilham Aliyev, expressing optimism about reaching a peace agreement with Armenia, at least on fundamental principles, before November.

● “France, India, and Greece are providing military support to Armenia against Azerbaijan. We cannot afford to remain passive. We have communicated this stance to the Armenian government. If we perceive any threat, we will be compelled to take significant measures,” cautioned Ilham Aliyev.

● “Baku has consented to a meeting between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Kazakhstan. However, Astana serves as a facilitator rather than a mediator, offering a platform for negotiations,” clarified Ilham Aliyev.

● The President commented on Azerbaijan’s land borders, which have been closed since March 2020. Local media and social media have often reported that this creates significant problems for the population. However, Ilham Aliyev stated that “with the closure of Azerbaijan’s land borders for a certain period, security in the country is strengthening. There have been many cases in the past, some of which were made public and some of which were not.”

● The visa requirement between Azerbaijan and Albania has been lifted.

● According to the State Statistics Committee, approximately 514 thousand foreigners visited Azerbaijan in January-March 2024, marking a 39.2% increase compared to the same period last year.

● Scientist-economist Gubad Ibadoglu has been placed under house arrest as a preventive measure. Read more here

● Another group of 39 families (150 people) has relocated to permanent residences in the city of Fizuli. Presently, the city accommodates 744 families (2,839 people).

● President Ilham Aliyev conducted a working visit to Moscow, engaging in negotiations with President Putin and meeting with veterans involved in the construction of the BAM.

● Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov traveled to the Czech Republic for meetings with his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavsky and other officials.

● “The withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers from Karabakh aligns with the current realities in the region,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. “The peacekeepers have left because there are no longer functions for them in the region.”

● Two Iranian citizens were apprehended while attempting to breach the Iranian-Azerbaijani state border in the Caspian Sea. Authorities found over 20 kg of drugs in their possession.

● Azerbaijan has imposed a temporary restriction on the import of small cattle from Georgia due to the detection of small ruminant plague in Georgian Kvemo Kartli, according to the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency.

● Mine clearance work has commenced in the border Tavush region as per the agreement to initiate the border delimitation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Yesterday, clearance operations were conducted, including near the ancient Church of the Holy Mother of God in the village of Voskepar. Villagers expressed concern, fearing that the church might be ceded to the Azerbaijani side. However, the office of Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, the co-chairman of the Armenian side of the delimitation commission, assures that the church will remain within Armenian territory post-delimitation.

● A meeting between Mher Grigoryan and the Tavush delegation in Yerevan extended into the night. The outcomes of the meeting are yet to be disclosed.

● President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan expresses support for the government’s policies, including those related to delimitation and achieving long-term peace with Azerbaijan. He reassures citizens that neither Nikol Pashinyan nor any government official will take any illegal steps or concede any part of the Republic of Armenia.

● Tbilisi welcomes the agreement to initiate the border delimitation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing Georgia’s interest in ensuring lasting peace in the region. The Foreign Ministry reaffirms Georgia’s commitment to contributing to the peace-building process and fostering trust between the two neighboring countries.

● Russian President Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan may soon discuss various issues, including the withdrawal of Russian border guards. Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s press secretary, suggests that the meeting could occur in the near future.

● In an interview with British media, Nikol Pashinyan remarked, “In fact, we have never been so close to the West as we are now,” highlighting Armenia’s evolving relationship with Western countries.

● The ruling party of Georgia has organized a rally to support the law on “foreign agents” in response to public requests. It will take place on April 29, just before the bill “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” is discussed in parliament. Bidzina Ivanishvili, the informal leader of the country, is expected to participate.

● “What Georgian Dream is doing won’t be a rally – it will be people who are forced to attend because they are either employed in public service or somehow connected to state institutions. They have no choice; they must attend. Otherwise, representatives of ‘Georgian Dream’ will create problems for them,” Mikheil Daushvili of the opposition party “For Georgia” said. Screenshots from chats of regional state-funded institutions have surfaced on social media, capturing how employees are manipulated into attending the rally in Tbilisi on April 29. “At least one person from each family must attend. Transportation and food will be provided,” one of the messages reads.

● At Tbilisi State University, students are gathering signatures to prevent Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze from lecturing there. Kobakhidze teaches the history of the Constitution at the university.

● Meanwhile, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Hungary to attend the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), known for its anti-LGBTQ stance.

● Another government proposal – constitutional amendments limiting LGBT rights – has been put up for public discussion. During a discussion in Kutaisi, leaders of the Georgian Dream party who came to present the bill were seriously asked, “Will people be checked – whether they are gay or not – when applying for jobs?” The ruling party presents its legislative initiative as an attempt to “protect society from pseudo-liberal ideology and its inevitable harmful consequences.”

● A conference titled “Russia and the World: Dialogues 2024. Forces of Attraction” took place in Tbilisi. The event was described by Gulbaat Rtskhiladze, founder of one of the hosting organizations, as promoting Georgian-Russian unity and love.

● Journalist Iya Sartania from the opposition TV channel “Formula” was attacked in the metro, subjected to homophobic insults, and physically assaulted.

● Prime Minister Kobakhidze announced plans for a new football stadium and Georgia’s bid to host the 2028 Champions League final during a government meeting.

● The protesters blocking the Voskepar-Kirants road in Armenia’s Tavush region spent the night by the roadside, gathered around bonfires. They say they are not dispersing until they’ve met Deputy Prime Minister Mger Grigoryan. Residents of the Tavush villages near the border with Azerbaijan are protesting against the decision on border delimitation that was made on April 19 by Yerevan and Baku. According to this decision, the delimitation process is set to begin in the Tavush region, and the border will pass in “dangerous proximity” to their villages – where, they say, their pastures and water sources are located.

● Former Minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Ruben Vardanyan, who is imprisoned in Azerbaijan, was allowed to make a phone call to his family for the first time in 2 weeks after he began a hunger strike. According to his family, this was made possible due to the attention of the international community and media. They say that Vardanyan has been in complete isolation during this time, not even allowed to read. His vital signs are being monitored, but nothing else has been done. The family demands that Azerbaijani authorities immediately allow representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit him.

● The Republican Party of Armenia called on Russia to halt the withdrawal of the peacekeeping contingent from Karabakh. “The absence of international presence in Nagorno-Karabakh will create a new opportunity for Baku to erase the Armenian presence and will harm the repatriation of Armenians to Karabakh. Regardless of how much the Russian side refers to various mistakes of the Armenian authorities and emphasizes their role in the current situation, this does not absolve Russia of personal responsibility towards the people of Karabakh,” the party’s statement reads.

● A 28-year-old man died after jumping in front of a metro train at the “Zoravar Andranik” station in Yerevan.

●  World-renowned jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan performed a concert program near Mount Khustup. During the two-hour concert, he presented pieces from his penultimate album “Internal Call.”

● Georgian Dream initiates public discussion on the anti-LGBT project “On family values” today. A commission, led by Speaker Papuashvili, will discuss amendments to the Constitution. The ruling party asserts that “the amendments aim to ban LGBT propaganda without violating human rights.” Recently, Georgian Dream’s chairman, Irakli Garibashvili, remarked that when EU accession was enshrined in the Constitution, “few foresaw widespread same-sex marriage in Europe.” Now, Georgian Dream seeks to amend the Constitution to protect youth. Discussions will commence in Kutaisi and proceed to Ambrolauri, Ozurgeti, Batumi, Zugdidi, and Mestia.

● The German Social Democratic Party warns that if Georgia adopts the “foreign agents” law, Germany may revoke its safe country status for Georgian citizens. Georgia, alongside Moldova, gained safe country status in January 2023, as deemed by the German government, indicating no risk of persecution for citizens. However, SPD MP Helge Lind warns that adopting the law could change this.

● Tbilisi sees ongoing protests demanding the withdrawal of the “foreign agents” bill. Tens of thousands, predominantly youth, participate daily. More protests are scheduled for today.

● Georgian Dream Deputy Davit Matikashvili comments on Rustaveli Avenue actions: “Some youth groups show sincerity, but party involvement is evident in organization – radicals lurk behind the youth.”

● The President responds to the US House of Representatives’ decision to provide aid to Ukraine. “Bipartisan support for Ukraine, with aid from the US House of Representatives, is significant. Ukraine’s fight concerns us all and warrants our full support. Glory to Ukraine!”

● Threats of alleged terrorist attacks on April 22 circulate on Telegram, this time targeting Tbilisi schools. Similar threats in January targeted schools, mosques, and shopping centers in Batumi, but none were confirmed.

● Ilham Aliyev and Vladimir Putin will hold talks in Moscow today to discuss “key issues in the further development of Russian-Azerbaijani relations” and exchange views on regional matters. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM), they will also meet with veterans and workers of the railway industry. As the First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Heydar Aliyev directly oversaw matters related to the construction of this major railway.

●  An Honorary Consulate of Uzbekistan has opened in Ganja. Kyannan Jalilov has been appointed as the Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan in Azerbaijan.

●  Kazakhstan has extradited an Azerbaijani national wanted internationally to Baku. Mais Nazarov is accused of “illegal manufacturing, production, acquisition, storage, transportation, and sale of drugs.”

●  Archpriest Dionisius Svechnikov, Secretary of the Baku Diocesan Administration, visited the Church of the Most Holy Mother of God “Bulun” (pictured).

The ancient Albanian church in the village of Nij of the Gabala district was restored several years ago and handed over to the Udins, one of the indigenous peoples of Azerbaijan.

●  In Baku, work is underway to install the world’s tallest flagpole, which will reach a height of 191 meters. The National Flag Square of Azerbaijan was inaugurated on September 1, 2010, with the flagpole initially standing at 162 meters in height.

●  Baku has submitted its candidacy to be named the “World Capital of Sport” in 2026. A delegation from nine countries evaluated the capital based on 12 criteria, as announced by the President of the European Capitals of Sports Federation (ACES), Gian Francesco Lupatelli. The evaluation is conducted on a 100-point scale—Baku needs to score at least 80 points to become the “World Capital of Sport.”

Top stories in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia from April 15-19, 2024