Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 21-25 October 4, 2024

● Rob Farbman, Vice President of Edison Research: “People who dislike the ruling ‘Georgian Dream’ have options when choosing which opposition candidate to support. The key is to vote in a way that ensures your vote isn’t wasted, as this is what will ultimately help the opposition defeat the ruling party. In our research ahead of these elections, we used the same methodology as in the 2020 parliamentary elections and found significantly less support for ‘Georgian Dream.’ I am confident they will perform worse than in the previous election.”

● Thomas Hacker, Member of the German Bundestag: “The parliamentary elections on October 26 are about more than just choosing between Russia and Europe. Georgian citizens are deciding between democracy and tyranny, between the rule of law and lawlessness. This has already been evident throughout the election campaign, which has been anything but fair.”

● President Salome Zourabichvili, when asked what will happen if Bidzina Ivanishvili, the oligarch leading the ruling party, wins the election: “I rule out any outcome other than the victory of pro-European forces in Saturday’s election. I don’t use the word ‘if’ at all… I exclude everything except the victory of European powers and European Georgia.” However, Zourabichvili did not dismiss the possibility that if ‘Georgian Dream’ wins, they might try to imprison her.

● Mike Turner, Chairman of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee: “The U.S. must clearly state that if Georgia’s leadership shifts its political course after the elections, Washington will support it. We support free and fair elections, and we understand well that we want strong relations with a population that sees itself as pro-Western.”

● Benjamin Haddad, France’s Minister for European Affairs: “My colleagues and I sent a letter to the Georgian authorities, urging them to hold free and fair elections. If the country wants to remain a candidate for EU membership, it must uphold European values. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has used ‘frozen conflicts’ on the European continent to prevent neighboring countries from choosing democracy. The EU will reinvest in these neighboring regions and support the aspirations of their people.”

● Ian Kelly, former U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, expressed outrage over the search of apartments belonging to two Atlantic Council staff members, Eto Buziashvili and Sopho Gelava, in Tbilisi. Security services seized family members’ computers and phones, claiming the searches were part of an investigation into fraudulent call centers. “Both are highly regarded for their work on Russian malign influence in Georgia. 2 days before the election. Someone is signaling they will follow through with threats to shut down any pro Western opposition after the election,” Kelly wrote on his X account. Read more here

● The government has designated the Central Election Commission building as a strategic facility. According to Article 330, the seizure or blockade of a strategic facility is punishable by 10 to 15 years in prison.

● Former Ministry of Internal Affairs inspector Ramin Siradze: “People working in the Ministry of Internal Affairs are openly speaking out about violations in law enforcement,” Siradze wrote on social media, explaining why he and a colleague were dismissed. “I strongly condemned the brutal beating of protesters by special forces during this year’s anti-Russian protests in Tbilisi, and we were forced to leave our jobs,” Siradze said.

● The organization Court Watch published a sharply critical interim report on pre-election court disputes. From August 20 to October 20, volunteer observers monitored 43 hearings on 36 cases. These mainly concerned the allocation of duties among precinct election commission members, compensation for commission members, the establishment of polling stations abroad, the placement of political advertisements on TV and radio, the use of administrative resources in campaigns, and flaws in party lists.

● The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that on July 11, 2021, new guidelines were approved for the police, allowing the simultaneous use of water cannons and tear gas to safely disperse aggressive protesters. The ministry recently announced the purchase of several new water cannons.

Photo: David Pipia / JAMnews

● Azerbaijan celebrates Gubadli City Day today. On October 25, 2020, Gubadli was liberated during the Second Karabakh War.

● Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan instructed their foreign ministers to continue negotiations on the peace agreement for swift completion and signing, according to a statement following their meeting at the BRICS summit in Kazan.

● “The European Parliament, setting aside Europe’s own issues, has resumed attacks on Azerbaijan,” the Milli Majlis responded to the European Parliament’s October 24 resolution, “The Situation in Azerbaijan: Human Rights Violations, Breaches of International Law, and Relations with Armenia.”
The statement from the Azerbaijani parliament accused the resolution of showcasing anti-Azerbaijani bias, calling its claims “absurd, baseless, and filled with threats and demands.”

● “Qarabag” Baku lost 0-3 to Ajax Amsterdam in the third round of the UEFA Europa League group stage.

● Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev held talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan. They instructed their foreign ministers to continue negotiations on the “Agreement on Establishing Peace and Interstate Relations” for swift finalization and signing.

● At the BRICS summit, Pashinyan also met Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. This was their first meeting since tensions rose between Armenia and Belarus, leading to a ban on Armenian officials visiting Minsk.

● A Lebanese journalist, Sako Areyan, reported the death of an ethnic Armenian member of Hezbollah during combat in Lebanon.

● Yerevan joined the e-CMR international freight transport system. The new digital protocol will reduce cargo handling costs and eliminate administrative delays.

● Armenia will tighten entry rules for citizens of India, Iraq, and Egypt, granting e-visas only to those with temporary or permanent residency in Russia, the U.S., Australia, the EU, and other select countries.

● Armenia released a bear named Riki, after comedian Ricky Gervais, back into the wild. The bear had been treated at the FPWC Wildlife Rescue Center after being hit by a car a month ago.

● Levan Gogichaishvili, a member of the opposition party *For Georgia*, was assaulted in central Tbilisi on Wednesday evening, shortly after the ruling party’s election rally. The rally involved transporting government workers to the capital in hundreds of buses. Gogichaishvili told *Formula* TV that the attackers carried flags of the ruling Georgian Dream party and were likely returning from the event. “These thugs belong to [oligarch] Ivanishvili. They were so emboldened that they didn’t even bother to cover their faces as they beat me with party flags,” he said.

● At the rally, Bidzina Ivanishvili promised: “Trust me, together with my political team, we will overcome every challenge and ensure a bright future for Georgia. Our development and European integration are on the way.”

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claimed at the rally that opposition leaders are “not just foreign agents but people without citizenship, unfit for Georgian culture, and lacking dignity.”

● Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze declared: “Georgia is now a truly democratic country, deserving of a European future. However, we will not become anyone’s vassal.”

● An investigative journalists’ union surveyed vulnerable individuals across Georgia and found evidence of threats, pressure, and blackmail aimed at forcing them to vote for the ruling party. Over 50 respondents reported that local government representatives were involved in the intimidation.

● Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the *For Georgia* party, stated: “If more than 2 million people vote, Georgian Dream will receive less than 30%. People need to understand that their votes are safe and anonymous.”

● *Transparency International Georgia* published an updated corruption map, highlighting companies tied to government officials and Ivanishvili. Since 2013, these entities have secured over 3.28 billion lari (approx. $1 billion) through public contracts, with over 1.13 billion lari awarded in 2024 alone. TI documented suspicious tenders and simplified procurement cases, urging authorities to investigate potential corruption.

● Aleko Elisashvili, a member of the *For a Strong Georgia* coalition, claimed that Alexander Turazashvili, the father of MP Keti Turazashvili, died of a heart attack after being “viciously insulted” by an official from Tbilisi’s Saburtalo district election commission during a phone call. Alexander Turazashvili had been representing the coalition in that commission.

● European Parliament member Anna Fotyga called for sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, stating: “Reliable Georgian experts point to Russian-linked funds backing Georgian Dream’s campaign. These donors are either directly tied to Russia or dependent on the Russian market, and are closely connected to Ivanishvili or his family,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

● President Salome Zourabichvili urged voters to support these four opposition coalitions:
• №4: *Coalition for Change – Gvaramia, Melia, Girchi, Droa*
• №5: *Unity* (*National Movement, Strategy Aghmashenebeli, European Georgia*)
• №9: *Strong Georgia* (*Lelo, For the People, Freedom Square, Citizens*)
• №25: *Gakharia – For Georgia*

She cited two reasons: 1) They have a real chance of surpassing the 5% threshold, ensuring votes won’t be wasted; 2) They’ve signed the Georgian Charter, a roadmap for accelerating EU membership.

● Recent polls show the ruling party leading, but only one survey — conducted by the pro-government Imedi TV — indicates a majority. Meanwhile, an opposition-commissioned *Formula TV* poll reveals that 70% of respondents believe it’s time for another party to have a chance after 12 years of Georgian Dream’s rule. Read more here

● During a special operation in Germany, 12 Georgian nationals were arrested on charges of theft and robbery. The operation took place in three German cities: Baden-Württemberg, Hamburg, and Berlin. Police searched six locations. According to local media, the detained individuals—two men and one woman, aged between 27 and 54—formed a group in Germany. They received stolen goods from other Georgians and smuggled them to Georgia and Italy.

Tbilisi, two days before the election. Photo by David Pipia / JAMnews.

● “The EU is considering extending the mandate of observers in Armenia. However, there are concerns in Yerevan regarding potential actions by Baku. Therefore, there is a need for a ‘neutral third party and objective assessments,'” stated Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in parliament.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan flew to Kazan for the BRICS summit and managed to try traditional chak-chak. In a video, he is seen tasting it alongside the leader of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov.

● The parliament approved the regulations for the committees on delimiting the border with Azerbaijan. More details can be found here.

● The Foreign Minister condemned the terrorist attack that occurred in Turkey yesterday. “There is no justification for terrorism and the suffering of innocent people. Armenia has repeatedly stated its opposition to all forms of terrorism and acts of violence,” said Ararat Mirzoyan.

● A Baku court rejected the appeal of former state minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Ruben Vardanyan, regarding the decision to extend his detention, Azerbaijani media reports. Vardanyan is in prison in Baku and requested the reversal of his arrest decision; however, the court deemed the request unfounded.

● Georgia has a new military attaché in Armenia—Lieutenant Colonel Teimuraz Maisuradze. He was received by Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, along with Ambassador Giorgi Sharvashidze.

● President Ilham Aliyev is in Kazan for the BRICS summit. Earlier, Azerbaijan submitted an official application to join this organization.

● Aliyev expressed condolences to Erdoğan regarding the terrorist attack in Ankara. The attack on the TUSAŞ aerospace industry facility in Ankara resulted in the deaths of five people, with others injured.

● The Baku court rejected the appeal of former state minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Ruben Vardanyan regarding the decision to extend his detention. Vardanyan attended the hearing with his lawyer, requesting the arrest decision to be overturned, but the appeal was dismissed as unfounded.

● A 70-year-old Armenian national, Vera Agasyan, passed away in Khankendi. The cause of death was reported as acute heart-lung failure due to pulmonary artery thrombosis, according to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Health.

● In Baku, 85-year-old actor Iosif Tkachev from the state Russian drama theater of Azerbaijan and his 80-year-old wife were killed. A 51-year-old suspect, Islam Khadiyev, has been detained in connection with the murder. Motives for the crime have not yet been disclosed.

● Baku is vying to host the UEFA Champions League final. The AFFA has nominated the Baku Olympic Stadium as the venue for the final of the main European football tournament for the 2026/27 season. The Baku arena faces only one competitor: the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid. The final host will be determined at the UEFA Executive Committee meeting scheduled for May 2025.

● Two people drowned after a tunnel in the Sabunchi district of Baku was flooded by heavy rains.

● A fire broke out at an oil refinery in Baku, with two helicopters from the Ministry of Emergency Situations assisting in extinguishing the flames. The fire was quickly brought under control, and no injuries were reported.

● “Claims that some Azerbaijani citizens are prosecuted for their political beliefs are entirely false and politically motivated,” the Foreign Ministry responded to a statement by EU Commissioner Nicolas Schmit. “The European Parliament’s harmful stance has long proven ineffective and only complicates relations between Azerbaijan and Europe,” the ministry added.

● Mobile operators in Azerbaijan will be able to provide their customers’ credit history information to credit bureaus without consent, as outlined in a proposed amendment to the law “On Credit Bureaus.”

● U.S. President Joe Biden sent a letter to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, urging the completion of the peace agreement this year. He expressed the U.S.’s readiness to support a lasting and honorable peace deal that will finally end the centuries-long conflict. “A peace agreement that guarantees Armenia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity will not only bring security and stability to the Armenian people, but will also transform the entire South Caucasus region.”

● A discussion on the regulations for the Armenian and Azerbaijani state commissions on border delimitation was held in Armenia’s parliament without opposition participation. Both factions, “Hayastan” and “I Have Honor,” walked out before the discussions started, calling the review of this document unacceptable and expressing doubts about its content. Sarkis Khandanyan, secretary of the ruling “Civil Contract” party, criticized the opposition for “running away from responsibility.”

● “Turkey’s involvement in the Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement process is clear, but Ankara is not a mediator in the negotiations, and no proposals have come from it,” said parliamentary speaker Alen Simonyan.

● Cybercrime cases are on the rise in Armenia. In 2019-2020, around 300 cases were recorded, but over the past two years, cyber thefts have reached thousands. Hayk Mkrtchyan, head of the Cybercrime Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stated that in 2023 alone, 1,198 cases were reported. The largest amount stolen exceeded $1 million. The most common crimes involve fake investments, phishing, and fraudulent job offers.

● A 62-year-old woman, Asmik G., was arrested on charges of vandalism for erasing images of 44-day war participants from a wall on Pushkin Street in Yerevan, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (video included).

● 10-year-old Leo Mkrtchyan will represent Armenia at Junior Eurovision 2024 with his song “Cosmic Friend.”

● The honorary chairman of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, made several bold statements in an evening interview with the pro-government TV channel “Imedi.” He once again threatened to persecute the opposition, spoke about pressure on Georgia from the mysterious “global party of war,” and shared stories about the “effects of LGBT propaganda in the West” that have sparked memes, particularly mentioning “men’s milk” and “women’s pads in men’s restrooms.” Georgia is currently in a tense pre-election period, with critically important parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26. Here’s a brief summary of what Ivanishvili discussed.

● In this interview, Bidzina Ivanishvili stated that the authorities intend to prosecute one of the opposition leaders, former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, and his team, and that they have already prepared documents for such a trial. He accused Gakharia of serving the “global party of war” and “intending to drag the country into war.” “We will prove everything he has done. But I am even angrier at those who are currently with him, who were once members of ‘Georgian Dream’ and entered parliament under our mandates. Now they are repeating the narrative of the ‘National Movement’ and certainly deserve strict punishment, which they will undoubtedly receive,” said Ivanishvili.

● Ivanishvili mentioned that he plans to meet with the U.S. ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan, after the elections and has already requested a meeting. Previously, Bidzina Ivanishvili had declined meeting requests from both the U.S. Embassy in Georgia and from high-ranking representatives of the U.S. State Department.

● “In recent months, the Georgian authorities have adopted several laws that do not meet EU standards, particularly the law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’ (the ‘foreign agents’ law). As a result, the process of Georgia’s integration into the European Union has been halted. Georgia cannot become a member of the alliance if the government does not change its course,” a group of ministers from 13 EU member states—Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic—issued this stern warning.

● The EU’s High Representative and official spokesperson, Peter Stano, stated: “We are closely monitoring the situation ahead of the parliamentary elections on October 26 to understand how free and fair they will be. If the majority of voters express that they do not oppose this disinformation and anti-European narrative, we will not object. In that case, the country simply should not pursue EU membership. It will be up to Georgian voters to decide whether they want to be part of the EU—and to make the corresponding choice.”

Фото Давид Пипиа/JAMnews

● The parliamentary commission on international relations has approved a draft law regarding the regulations for the commission on the demarcation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Five ruling party deputies voted in favor, while three opposition members voted against. The issue has been included in the parliament’s agenda.

● Armenia will continue discussions on unblocking regional communications once sovereign customs and border control are fully established, stated Deputy Prime Minister Mger Grigoryan. He also mentioned that Armenia and Azerbaijan have not yet discussed where the next stage of border delimitation will take place.

● Two sixth-graders and one parent fell out of a moving excursion bus carrying schoolchildren on a country road. Reports indicate that their condition is satisfactory. For unknown reasons, the rear door of the bus opened while in motion.

● Grandmaster Aram Hakobyan has emerged as the winner of the international chess tournament Pavlodar Open 2024 in Kazakhstan, achieving victory without a single defeat, according to the Armenian Chess Federation. The tournament featured 94 chess players from 19 countries.

● A new protest took place outside the Football Federation building after its head, Armen Melikbekyan, stated that he does not plan to resign despite widespread calls from fans following the national team’s losses in international championships. Melikbekyan noted that he is focused on “plans related to the upcoming year and on completing ongoing initiatives.”

● “Armenia’s territorial claims against Azerbaijan on a constitutional basis are the main obstacle to signing a peace treaty,” stated President Ilham Aliyev during a meeting with U.S. Special Assistant to the President Michael Carpenter.

● An “Initiative Group for the Return to Western Azerbaijan” has been established in the Milli Majlis.

● The master plan for the development of the city of Shusha until 2040 has been approved.

● Azerbaijan will set a minimum retail price for alcoholic beverages.

● From November 5 to 7, a summit of world religious leaders will take place in Azerbaijan, with approximately 200 religious figures and scholars from around the globe participating.

● Jean-Claude Van Damme has lost his statue in the village of Vandam in Gabala (pictured). The sculpture was created and installed a few years ago due to the remarkable similarity between the village’s name and the famous actor’s surname. However, it had to be dismantled and relocated due to the construction of a national road.

● A heavy rainstorm in Baku resulted in severe flooding on several streets. A video shows a completely submerged underground car tunnel, where two individuals barely managed to escape from their drowned vehicle.

●  A powerful march under the slogan “Georgia Chooses the European Union” took place in Tbilisi. Around 200,000 people marched with Georgian and EU flags from five different districts, converging at the central Freedom Square. The event culminated in a concert featuring popular performers. Meanwhile, pro-government TV channels claimed the march was organized by LGBT activists and had a very small turnout.

●  President Salome Zourabichvili addressed the crowd from a specially erected stage. “Nothing is more valuable than freedom and peace. We, the citizens of Georgia, will enter Europe peacefully and with dignity by voting for our European future in the elections on October 26.” She also addressed the presidents of Moldova and Ukraine, as well as the EU and the U.S., stating that “Georgia will be the most reliable partner and ally when it joins Europe.”

●  Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze and other representatives of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party held a separate event. On the shores of Tbilisi Sea, in the residential area, a large new park was officially opened. The mayor announced that the park was built on a 25-hectare reclaimed wetland and features several sports fields, a skate park, and two small lakes. A tunnel and two pedestrian bridges provide easy access to nearby neighborhoods.

●  Events in Moldova are in the spotlight of Georgian media. Following yesterday’s presidential elections, a second round will take place between the current pro-Western president, Maia Sandu, and the former Prosecutor General, Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is currently under investigation for corruption and abuse of power. Meanwhile, the majority of citizens voted against joining the EU in the simultaneous referendum. President Maia Sandu stated that the dual vote on October 20 took place under unprecedented pressure and interference from Russia.

●  Several clinics across the country have opened free flu vaccination centers. The Ministry of Health reported that 200,000 doses of the WHO-recommended vaccine by Dutch company Abbott Biologicals B.V. have been purchased for the current phase.

●  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded that France “cease its destructive activities in the South Caucasus.” “Azerbaijan bases all its actions on international law and justice. It is absurd to claim otherwise, and France has no evidence to support this,” the statement said. Earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated, “France systematically condemns all violations of international law: in Gaza by Israel, in Israel by Hamas, in Lebanon by Israel, in Israel by Hezbollah, in Sudan by the armed forces, in Afghanistan by the Taliban, in Iraq and Syria by the executioners of Yazidis, in Ukraine by Russia, and in Armenia by Azerbaijan.”

●   In Shusha, the first child was born after displaced persons returned to the city, liberated during the second Karabakh war, to live permanently.

The photo was taken on the #Azerbaijani coast of the Caspian Sea. Next to it is a video recorded about 10 years ago, showing the same swings but standing far out in the water. This clearly illustrates how much the Caspian Sea has receded over the years.

● Rudolf Garboyan won gold at the European Youth Boxing Championship in Sofia, defeating Azerbaijani athlete Nijat Guseynov in the final. The Armenian national team has secured five more medals.

● Iranian karateka Ahmad Bagheri visited the Armenian Embassy in Tehran and presented Ambassador Arsen Avakyan with a gold medal he won in Denmark, in memory of his friend Artur Sukiassyan, who died in the 44-day war (pictured). The ambassador promised to pass the medal on to Sukiassyan’s family.

● “Armenia should not sign any documents that define the status of Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan,” stated the “Hayakve” initiative. The group referred to the October 5, 2023 statement signed in Granada by Nikol Pashinyan, which recognizes Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, including Karabakh, within its 86.6 thousand square kilometers.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 14-18 October, 2024