Latest news in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, summary. Live

●  Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has denied the opposition’s request to annul party lists in the new parliament before its official composition is announced. The CEC stated that by law, mandates must first be confirmed at the inaugural parliamentary session, after which any mandate annulment can be appealed. Read more here

●  In response, Natia Mezvrishvili, leader of the “Gakharia – For Georgia” party, accused the CEC of spreading “false information.” Mezvrishvili dismissed the CEC’s reasoning as “legal nonsense” that only deepens voter frustration, stating that the new parliament should not be legitimized.

●  Badri Japaridze, a leader of the opposition coalition “Strong Georgia,” has been summoned by the prosecutor’s office for questioning over alleged election fraud. Japaridze criticized the prosecutor’s office, claiming it seeks a “sham process” to declare there was no election fraud. “If they were independent, they would have already gathered extensive evidence,” he posted on Facebook.

●  “Georgia needs significant reforms to maintain its EU candidate status,” said Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, in an interview with Ukrainian media.

●  Moldova summoned Georgia’s chargé d’affaires, Davit Bochorishvili, after Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze commented that “if there were election issues, it was in Moldova.” Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that cooperation, traditional friendship, and shared European integration goals should define relations between the two countries.

●  A protest march under the slogan “We can’t do it without you” will take place in central Tbilisi on November 15 at 5:00 pm. The march aims to protest the October 26 parliamentary elections, which many believe were rigged, and to demand new elections. The march is organized by the “Stay With Me” civil platform, founded on Facebook during protests against the “foreign agents” law to support regional participants. “The protest continues. Together, we have shown we can build a center of peaceful resistance,” reads the platform’s statement.

●  The “Judicial Oversight in Georgia” organization reports that, by decision of the High Council of Justice, first- and second-instance judges will receive bonuses of 50% of their salary in November, totaling 685,750 GEL [around $255,000]. By law, judges’ compensation includes both salary and bonuses.

●  Russian forces illegally detained two Georgian citizens near the village of Tsneli in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone. The information has been promptly relayed to Geneva discussions co-chairs and international partners, and all mechanisms are being deployed to secure their release, the National Security Service reported.

●  The Mestia district administration (Svaneti region) has urged residents to turn off bitcoin mining equipment due to a “catastrophic” increase in electricity consumption, especially in Haishi and Chuberi, which could lead to widespread power outages. The mining issue is especially significant in Svaneti, where, under the highland support program, electricity rates are much lower than the national average.

📸 Poster calling on people to join the November 15 march under the slogan “We can’t do it without you”

●  President Ilham Aliyev, in conversation with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasized the importance of preparing the public for peace to advance the peace process and finalize a peace treaty. “Negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the peace treaty are ongoing, with a significant portion of the text already agreed upon, and substantial progress in border delimitation and demarcation,” Aliyev stated.

●  “Baku and Yerevan will resume discussions on the peace treaty text in December,” said presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev in an interview with TASS.

●  “The International Court has decided to examine Azerbaijan’s case against Armenia, including evidence related to landmines, despite Yerevan’s objections,” Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov posted on social media.

●  “Although Armenia registered representatives for the conference, they are not participating. We consider this a missed opportunity,” Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov told reporters at COP29.

●  At COP29, BP and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy signed an agreement to lay the foundation for the “Shafag” solar power plant in the Jabrayil district, reclaimed by Azerbaijan in the 2020 Karabakh conflict.

●  Bulgaria will join the green energy agreement between Georgia, Azerbaijan, Romania, and Hungary. The Black Sea Energy Corridor project will transfer electricity generated in Azerbaijan and Georgia through a Black Sea transmission line to Romania, then to Hungary.

📹 Video: A restored park in Baku featuring a famous mosaic has reopened near the Palace of Happiness at the intersection of Murtuza Mukhtarov and Ahmed Javad streets. The mosaic, once popular with newlyweds, was created in 1975 by artists Sirus Mirzazade, Rashad Geydarov, and Arif Aleskerov.

●  Armenia’s ruling parliamentary faction blocked an opposition initiative calling for the “release of Armenian prisoners from Baku’s prisons.” The opposition factions “Hayastan” and “I Have Honor” convened a special session to appeal to the international community, urging pressure on Azerbaijani authorities amid the COP29 summit there. The ruling majority abstained from voting, arguing that “such a statement would not help the process,” adding that they work daily to secure the prisoners’ return. Azerbaijan denies the term “prisoners,” asserting it holds only ethnic Armenians who posed security threats, including former leaders of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

●  The UN International Court rejected two preliminary objections from Azerbaijan in Armenia’s 2021 lawsuit over Nagorno-Karabakh events, ruling it has jurisdiction under the Racial Discrimination Convention.

●  Gerasim Vardanyan, a member of the Supreme Body of the opposition “Dashnaktsutyun” group, was released on $7,500 bail. His house arrest was lifted, though he remains under a travel ban. Vardanyan had been detained since June 16 for allegedly “financially incentivizing participation in anti-government protests” under the “Tavush for the Homeland” movement.

●  Armenia’s Central Bank is considering wiping negative credit histories of participants in the 44-day war and those who lost jobs due to the pandemic, as their damaged credit histories now limit new loan access.

●  “We Are Europe” — Thousands gathered once again on Monday evening in front of Georgia’s Parliament in Tbilisi. Protesters reiterated claims of election fraud in the October 26 parliamentary elections and demanded new elections.

●  Foreign affairs committee chairs from eight European countries — Germany, Finland, Sweden, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland — joined the rally. From the podium, Lithuanian MP Žygimantas Pavilionis addressed the Georgian people: “Someone is trying to take away your freedom, democracy, country, and place in the EU and NATO. Do not give up. Fight for it. You need a plan and must pursue it 24/7 because freedom is not a gift; it must be earned. And we will stand with you on this path. You are Europe.”

●  Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze explained the Georgian authorities’ refusal to meet with the EU delegation, with Kobakhidze saying, “The purpose of this visit does not align with our national interests,” and Kaladze adding, “These are idle people who travel around stirring up chaos and tension.” The delegation did, however, meet with President Salome Zourabichvili and opposition leaders.

●  “The deadline for finalizing election results is November 21,” announced Giorgi Sharabidze, Deputy Chairman of the CEC, on the pro-government TV channel Imedi. He explained that claims have been reviewed, overseas results processed, and findings from a temporary council assessed. All involved parties now have the option to challenge the results in court. Official results will be confirmed after all legal processes conclude.

●  Preliminary data shows that Georgia’s new parliament will include one billionaire, Bidzina Ivanishvili, and 16 millionaires — all elected from the ruling party’s list. The Georgian Dream party secured approximately 89 out of 150 seats, meaning every fifth MP from the ruling party is a millionaire. These figures were compiled by Radio Liberty’s Georgian service based on property declarations.

●  A state of emergency has been declared in Abkhazia. Six opposition figures, including Omar Smyr, Harry Kokaya, Almaskhan Ardzinba, Ramaz Djopua, and Aslan Gvaramia, were detained with unusual force. All were returning from a gathering in Gudauta where they voiced opposition to a Russian investment deal being prepared for ratification in the Abkhazian parliament. Thousands gathered overnight at the state security building, demanding their release. Opposition groups have also blocked two strategic bridges over the Gumsita and Kodori rivers.

●  Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reiterated that the government is working to neutralize the opposition, suggesting parliament could act without a constitutional majority. Kobakhidze again accused opposition parties, who reject the October 26 election results, of “unconstitutional actions.”

●  Former President Giorgi Margvelashvili responded, “This is what fascism looks like. Although there are many voices, everything is ultimately controlled by [honorary chairman and oligarch] Bidzina Ivanishvili. Georgian society has always been diverse. Those who echo Ivanishvili’s views don’t understand who we, Georgians, are. We are a country of diversity, not fascist Georgia, and we’re not the Georgian SSR.”

●  Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during the COP29 climate conference in Baku. The discussions focused on bilateral strategic partnership and regional projects, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to peace and stability in the region. Kobakhidze invited Aliyev to visit Georgia.

●  Former Prime Minister Nika Gilauri expressed concern over the National Bank’s $627 million reduction in foreign reserves in October, calling it “very worrying given the already low reserves.”

●  In Thessaloniki, Greece, a 49-year-old Georgian citizen was sentenced to 18 months in prison after assaulting a police officer, biting his lip, and revealing he had hepatitis C. He had tried to flee during a document check, carrying burglary tools, which he denied.

●  Armenia has still not decided whether it will participate in COP29 in Baku, although the UN climate summit has already begun and will run from November 11 to 22. As Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan told journalists, “The decision on participation depends on the overall dynamics of the negotiations.” On the very day COP29 began, the Armenian Foreign Minister left for a two-day visit to Sweden. Earlier, media reports indicated that he was ready to travel to Baku.

●  Yerevan is awaiting a response from Moscow regarding amendments to the agreement on broadcasting Russian channels. A month ago, Armenia sent its proposals for changes to the intergovernmental agreement regulating the broadcasting of Russian TV channels. Minister of High-Tech Industry Mikayel Ayrapetyan told journalists that earlier, Armenia had been dissatisfied with certain critical content, which led to the blocking of Vladimir Solovyov’s program on the multiplex.

●  The UN General Assembly committee adopted Russia’s resolution on combating the glorification of Nazism. Armenia was one of the co-authors of the document. The resolution was supported by 116 countries, while 54 countries, including Ukraine, the United States, the United Kingdom, Georgia, and others, voted against it.

●  In Yerevan, the carcasses of killed bears were openly sold, according to a report made to the police. When officers arrived at the market near the “Razdan” stadium, they found two bear heads—one was sold separately, the other along with a full pelt. A 47-year-old resident of Charentsavan has been arrested on suspicion of poaching.

●  Today is Constitution Day in Azerbaijan, marking the adoption of the constitution on November 12, 1995.

●  A leaders’ summit will take place today as part of COP29 in Baku.

●  “The territorial claims against Azerbaijan enshrined in Armenia’s constitution remain an obstacle to signing a peace agreement. This constitution must be amended,” President Ilham Aliyev stated during his meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

●  “The OSCE Minsk Group is now a part of history,” President Aliyev remarked in a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Commenting on Armenia’s participation in COP29, he noted that “an invitation was sent, but whether or not Armenia participates is up to them.”

●  President Ilham Aliyev and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze discussed enhancing energy cooperation and security between the two countries, as well as the “Middle Corridor” initiative, during their COP29 meeting.

●  “Azerbaijan is ready to supply Slovakia with gas and ensure adequate volumes,” announced Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini following his meeting with Ilham Aliyev in Baku.

●  “We are always open to constructive cooperation with PACE. The recent incidents there were not initiated by us; they held a biased view of Azerbaijan,” commented Samad Seyidov, Chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, to journalists.

●  Journalists report high food prices at cafes and restaurants in the COP29 zone in Baku: a slice of pizza costs 10 manats (around $6), a salad of fresh cucumbers and tomatoes is 15 manats (around $9), fries are 15 manats (around $9), and a can of cola is 6 manats (around $3.5).

📹 Street performer in downtown Baku.

●  Several thousand participated in a march in central Tbilisi, once again asserting that the October 26 parliamentary election was rigged, calling for an international investigation into violations, and demanding a new election.

●  Today, foreign affairs committee chairs from eight EU countries – Finland, Sweden, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and Germany -began their visit to Tbilisi. One participant, Michael Roth, head of the Bundestag’s committee, previously wrote on X, stating, “The elections in Georgia were manipulated, and the EU is concerned about future developments.” Meetings are planned with the president, opposition, and non-governmental organizations. Whether the delegation will meet with Georgian authorities remains unconfirmed.

●  Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is participating in the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku from November 11-13. According to his press service, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will meet with conference participants. Kobakhidze has also scheduled a personal meeting with Aliyev. The Georgian Prime Minister is expected to deliver a speech at the summit.

●  Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, currently in Tbilisi, has urged people to join a rally “against authoritarianism, fake green marketing, war, and capitalist exploitation across the Caucasus.” The protest is set for 7:00 p.m. today at Tbilisi’s Freedom Square. Thunberg specifically criticized the decision to host the COP29 international environmental forum in Baku, calling it “a facade.” She wrote on Instagram, “Azerbaijan is consolidating its control under a false ‘green’ agenda, further strengthening its power, which only increases regional tensions.”

●  Global Finance has given Natia Turnava, head of Georgia’s National Bank, the lowest rating in Europe for her performance in 2024, grading her a “D,” signifying “poor.” The publication noted that Turnava’s appointment in June 2023 was highly political. Her low rating is largely attributed to her failure to enforce Western financial sanctions, particularly in connection with former Georgian Prosecutor General Otar Partskhaladze, who was sanctioned by the U.S. for alleged ties to Russia’s FSB. Turnava effectively blocked the freezing of Partskhaladze’s assets in Georgia by issuing a ruling that asset freezes for Georgian citizens could only be enforced by a Georgian court.

Photo: David Pipia/JAMnews

●  COP29, the UN climate forum, begins today in Baku. Events at the Olympic Stadium will be powered by a solar energy system, HVO biofuel generators, and a hydropower plant.

●  In Azerbaijan’s Goranboy district, serviceman Gadim Ibrahimov was injured by an anti-personnel mine; his condition is stable.

●  Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry dismissed as disinformation a report by Iraqi channel Rudaw about an explosive device allegedly found on a Baku street, clarifying that the package mistaken for a bomb belonged to a food delivery company.

●  The Foreign Ministry welcomed the Jordanian Royal Film Commission’s decision not to submit a film that challenges Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity for the Oscars. The film’s screening in Jordan has also been halted, according to MFA spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada. The film, *My Sweet Land* by Armenian director Sarine Ayrapetyan, had been nominated for Best International Film.

Photo: Azerbaijani national costumes and carpets featured at COP29 in Baku.

●  The Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II, has appealed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, asking for his assistance in “securing the return of Armenian prisoners from Baku.” This appeal was made during the “Sacred Liturgy for the Liberation of Armenian Prisoners and the Protection of Displaced Armenians of Karabakh.”

●  Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan will make a working visit to Sweden on November 11-12, announced Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan.

●  Currently, 583 Armenian trucks are waiting in an electronic queue to cross the Russian-Georgian border at the “Upper Lars” checkpoint. In total, there are 1,901 trucks registered in line, according to the latest data.

●  A record-breaking baby girl was born at a Yerevan medical center: newborn Maria weighs 5 kg and is 55 cm tall (pictured). She is the second child in her family and was delivered naturally.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 4-8 November, 2024