Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 11-15 November, 2024

●  A march demanding new parliamentary elections will take place in central Tbilisi today at 17:00, organized by the Daitove civil platform, which supports claims by the opposition and civil society that the 26 October elections were rigged.

●  Students at Shota Rustaveli Batumi State University launched a movement called “Observers” to protest the allegedly fraudulent elections, claiming university administration involvement with the ruling party. Student protests are also being organized at universities in Tbilisi, including Ilia State University, the Medical University, and GIPA.

●  The prosecutor’s office has sealed voting machines from the 26 October elections as part of an investigation into alleged fraud, stating it aims to secure data for the inquiry. The opposition claims that the true purpose of sealing the voting machines is to destroy evidence of election fraud.

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze: “For a year and a half, the issue of granting Georgia EU candidate status was used as a tool to pressure the country and create divisions in society. We firmly defended the dignity of our nation, and ultimately, we were granted the status. However, it is now being used not to strengthen the country but as a tool for blackmail. The topic of opening EU accession negotiations has now come into play. It should not be used in the same way. I believe the war in Ukraine will end next year, and negotiations on Georgia’s EU membership will begin. We have an ambitious goal—to join the European Union with dignity—and this result is achievable.”

●  German Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, expressed concern over current Georgian policies, leading to the cancellation of several large military projects with Germany.

● In the U.S., ten more senators have joined the bipartisan “Megobari Act” in support of democratic elections in Georgia. The bill now has 19 co-sponsors: nine Republicans, nine Democrats, and one independent senator. The initiative was introduced by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jim Risch and registered in the Senate on May 24. Among its goals are sanctions against Georgian officials and legislators responsible for corruption, human rights abuses, and the promotion of the “foreign agents” law.

●  Opposition alliance leader Mamuka Khazaradze announced that “Strong Georgia” will officially forfeit its parliamentary seats won in the recent election.

●  Tbilisi City Court rejected opposition party appeals, including claims from “United National Movement” and “Strong Georgia,” to annul election results due to alleged violations. Among the evidence dismissed was proof of unauthorized marker usage, which breached voter privacy.

● The Union of Investigative Journalists reported that the Central Election Commission (CEC) could have purchased voting machines from Smartmatic International capable of processing data from both internal IDs and passports. Such machines were provided by the company for elections in Albania and Armenia. However, in Georgia, if a voter arrived with a passport, the registrar manually entered the information into the voting record. The CEC attributed this practice to the equipment’s specific features rather than to a procedural decision.

● The Union of Investigative Journalists has warned of critical deterioration risks in the ancient Gelati complex in Western Georgia due to drainage system issues. Renowned climatologist Alessandro Massari, who visited Gelati in 2021–2022, strongly recommended system upgrades, but no action has been taken to date, according to the statement.

●  On 16 November, screens will be set up at Republic Square in Tbilisi to show the Georgia-Ukraine football match, with traffic restrictions in place for the event.

Photo: Gelati Monastery

●  Nikol Pashinyan: “When I signed the trilateral statement on Nagorno-Karabakh on November 9, 2020, many colleagues were present in my office at the time. I said, ‘I don’t care about any opinion right now, I take full responsibility and will sign this paper.’ And I believe I made the right decision. The question is why I did it.”

●  The Armenian national football team lost to the Faroe Islands. Fans held protests during and after the game, calling for the resignation of the head of the Football Federation.

●  Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan invited his Iranian counterpart to visit Armenia. During a phone call, Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is ready to deepen and expand relations with Yerevan in all areas of mutual interest.

●  Armenian citizens will be able to travel to Kazakhstan using ID cards. Kazakh citizens can also visit Armenia with either passports or ID cards, and stay in the host country for up to 90 days without registration.

●  For the first time in years, Armenia’s ambassador participated in a meeting with CSTO ambassadors in Moscow. Gurgen Arsenyan attended a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and ambassadors and permanent representatives of CSTO member states.

●  Individuals from Armenia and Israel were arrested in California for a fraudulent insurance scheme. The group devised a unique plan to deceive insurance companies, one of them dressing up in a fake bear skin and scratching expensive cars. However, surveillance cameras caught the unnatural shine of the suit, and the “bear’s” movements were not very clumsy. Ruben Tamrazian, Ararat Chirkinyan, Vahé Muradhanyan, and Alfiya Tsukerman face charges of insurance fraud and conspiracy. Insurance companies were defrauded of $141.8K, according to the state insurance department.

●  Presidential assistant Hikmet Hajiyev responded sharply to EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell’s criticism of COP29. “Your depiction of the European Union as a ‘garden’ and the rest of the world as ‘jungles’ is deeply regrettable. This statement resembles nothing more than a colonial-era narrative — ‘us and the barbarians,'” he said. The day before, Borrell had called the accusations by President Aliyev against the EU, France, and the Netherlands “unacceptable,” warning that it risked undermining the key goals of the climate change conference and the credibility of Azerbaijan’s presidency at COP29. “We support France and the Netherlands,” Borrell stated.

●  “Over the past 30 years, Azerbaijan has invested $4.2 billion in the countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation,” said Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov. The program includes 11 countries: Afghanistan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan.

●  A memorandum was signed at COP29 for the modernization of the Baku metro system between Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and the European Investment Bank. The modernization aims to increase passenger flow and reduce traffic congestion in the city.

●  The Islamic Development Bank has allocated a $97 million loan for the construction of a main irrigation canal from the “Gyz Galasy” reservoir in Karabakh.

●  Popular English actor Theo James arrived in Baku for COP29. Today, renowned Turkish football coach Fatih Terim is expected to arrive.

●  The European Parliament held debates on Georgia, where sharp criticism was directed at the October 26 parliamentary elections.

●  Polish Sejm Deputy Speaker and MEP Malgorzata Gosiewska stated: “History teaches us that dictators seek power through democratic elections, but once in power, they are reluctant to give it up, becoming a threat to the international community. In 2012, President Saakashvili peacefully transferred power. After the 2020 elections, Georgia is returning to an authoritarian regime, and unfortunately, those in power now benefit from Russia. It’s time to draw conclusions. We call on you to isolate the current Georgian government, freeze aid, and suspend visa-free access for the regime.”

●  European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas commented in the debate: “These elections do not meet the standards expected of an EU candidate country. The ruling party used its significant resources and the public’s fear of war to present itself as the only political force capable of ensuring peace and stability.” Schinas added that any relationship with the Georgian government will be based on “clear and strict conditions.”

●  MEP Nathalie Loiseau said, “I and six of my colleagues participated in an election observation mission in Georgia, where we witnessed fraud and intimidation. Protests are now underway in Georgia, with people waving Georgian and EU flags, expecting much from the European Union.”

●  The Tbilisi City Court is set to review lawsuits from the opposition and NGOs, who claim that voter confidentiality was breached in the October 26 parliamentary elections. The main issue: marker marks on the back of ballots were visible, allowing those nearby to see how each voter cast their ballot. The opposition has submitted a list of over 50 witnesses and requested expert opinions. Recently, the appellate court reviewed similar claims and found them unsubstantiated.

●  Tina Bokuchava, chair of the opposition party United National Movement, stated that the Central Election Commission illegally replaced Smartmatic markers with unbranded ones on the eve of the elections, which was submitted to the court as evidence of irregularities.

●  The CEC quickly refuted this claim, stating that the markers used to mark ballot options were provided by Smartmatic and accused politicians of “misleading the public.”

●  EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski discussed the election outcomes with representatives from Georgian NGOs, including Transparency International – Georgia, Fair Elections (ISFED), My Vote, and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association. After the meeting, participants reported submitting evidence of election violations.

●  Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze: “The new parliament does not need the opposition to recognize its legitimacy. Parliament has already gained legitimacy from the Georgian people, who elected a majority of deputies from [the ruling] Georgian Dream. Now the opposition is insulting its supporters by rejecting parliamentary mandates. They are damaging their own reputation; we [on the government side] do not need to do anything.”

●  Kakha Kaladze, Secretary General of Georgian Dream and Mayor of Tbilisi: “External forces are working to boost support for the National Movement [founded by Mikheil Saakashvili, the ruling party from 2004 to 2012 – JAMnews]. They achieved some success by splitting this party into three seemingly separate parties. The core of the National Movement is now represented by politicians Gvaramia, Khazaradze, and Gakharia. Their foreign patrons are trying to present them as new independent forces in preparation for the 2028 parliamentary elections.”

●  Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, currently imprisoned, said: “If we want Western support, including from the new U.S. administration, we need to increase street protests. Small rallies are welcome and commendable, but we shouldn’t only focus on one large protest.”

Photo David Pipia/JAMnews

● Yerevan has responded to Baku’s recent proposal package regarding a peace treaty, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced in parliament. Armenia has also sent a written proposal to Azerbaijan for unblocking transportation routes. Pashinyan added that both Armenia and Azerbaijan need a strategic agreement, in addition to a peace treaty, for peaceful coexistence in the coming centuries.

● “No Armenian officials applied or registered to attend COP-29 in Baku,” stated Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, addressing comments by Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev, who claimed Armenian representatives registered but did not attend the climate summit.

● Gas supply to Armenia has been temporarily halted from 10 a.m. on November 13 to 10 p.m. on November 14 due to a pipeline incident on the “Gazakh-Saguramo” segment in Georgia, according to Gazprom Armenia. During repairs, Armenia’s gas needs are being met through internal reserves and additional deliveries from Iran.

● Armenian Guinness World Record holder Yuri Sakunts moved a car with his teeth while balancing on his hands, in a performance at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, set to an Aznavour song (video below).

● “Today, the overseas territories of France and the Netherlands, especially those in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean, face enormous challenges. These areas are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Rising sea levels, natural disasters, and biodiversity loss are serious threats to these regions. The voices of these territories are being stifled by the metropolitan authorities,” President Ilham Aliyev stated at the Small Island Developing States Summit held during COP29 in Baku.

● Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan launched a joint Uzbek-Azerbaijani textile factory in Khankendi, Karabakh. During their COP29 meeting, they also discussed strategies to support Afghanistan’s economic development.

● Slovakia signed a short-term gas contract with Azerbaijan, citing concerns over potential disruptions in Russian gas transit via Ukraine, reports Reuters. A long-term deal could be reached in the future.

● Free Wi-Fi is now available on Azerbaijani trains operating on the Baku-Agstafa-Baku and Baku-Gabala-Baku routes, with plans to expand free Wi-Fi to all routes.

● Azerbaijan signed an agreement with China’s BYD to localize electric bus production by 2030. The joint project, with a 40% localization of spare parts, will be established in the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park.

📹 Video: Brazilian football star Ronaldinho, in Baku for COP29, received a Karabakh carpet as a gift.

●  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