Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 17-21 March, 2025

● Donald Trump published a post on Truth Social expressing full support for Senator Jim Risch, calling him “an outstanding person who works tirelessly for the good of America.” In Georgia, Risch is known as the main critic of the Georgian Dream party and a co-author of the Megobari Act, a document that mandates tough sanctions against the party’s leaders and members for actions undermining democracy in Georgia. The document will be reviewed in the U.S. Senate on March 27.

● The mayor of Tbilisi and prominent Georgian Dream member, Kakha Kaladze, called Senator Risch a “fraud” and an “enemy” after the senator described the party’s government as “unprepared.”

● Many human rights activists have called the findings of a new UNDP study, “Men, Women, and Gender Relations in Georgia,” shocking. The majority of both men and women stated that politics is a male sphere, while a woman’s primary role is family and child-rearing. The percentage of men who consider violence against women acceptable has increased, with some even stating that “women sometimes want to be raped.” More than 55% of women and nearly 65% of men said they would not want to have a gay friend, and an even higher percentage supported banning LGBT individuals from working with children. More details on the study can be found here.

● The European Court of Human Rights has registered a complaint from the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association regarding the mass violation of ballot secrecy during the 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia. Read more here

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgian Dream stated that he does not rule out criminal cases being initiated against politicians and civil society representatives who lobbied for critical resolutions on Georgia in the European Parliament and the introduction of sanctions against government members from Georgian Dream. The parliament, dominated by the party, has already passed a second reading of a decision to reintroduce the crime of treason into the penal code, which now includes a clause on “assisting a foreign state or organization in activities directed against Georgia.” More on this law here.

● Journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani has called on the prosecutor general to allow access to her foundation’s accounts, promising that “not a single tetri from these funds will be spent for political purposes.” “Eleven people are waiting for life-saving assistance, including four children. Let me help them. The money will go only to children with severe diagnoses and socially vulnerable families,” Zhorzholiani wrote. In mid-March, the Georgian Dream government froze the accounts of several foundations, including those that assisted protesters and political prisoners. The official reason cited was “activities aimed at undermining the constitutional order.” Human rights activists claim the real purpose is to suppress the protest movement and punish its participants. Read more here

● In a UEFA Nations League playoff match to remain in Division B, Georgia faced Armenia in Yerevan and won 3-0. Giorgi Kochorashvili opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, and Giorgi Mikautadze extended the lead in the 37th minute. In the second half, Mikautadze scored again in the 58th minute, sealing Georgia’s victory. The return match will take place in Tbilisi on March 23.

● Georgia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili told Pirveli TV: “I’m happy with today’s victory, and we expect an even better atmosphere in Tbilisi for the return match. I want to thank the Georgian people, the fans who stood by us, came, and supported us. As for my assist, it was a good pass—I’ve never made an assist before, and I’m happy.”

Photo by Dato Pipia / JAMnews, taken during the massive Women’s March in Tbilisi in December 2024:

● Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated: “The OSCE Minsk Group, as an international negotiation format with all its institutions, is not subject to restoration. In 2022, the American and French co-chairs simply stopped working in it. The optimal decision would be a joint proposal from Baku and Yerevan for its dissolution.” The OSCE Minsk Group, chaired by the US, France, and Russia, facilitated negotiations on the Karabakh conflict since the 1990s. Its official dissolution is one of Azerbaijan’s conditions for signing a peace agreement with Armenia.

● At the same briefing, Zakharova said that Russia has sent Azerbaijan proposals to resolve the situation around the Russian House in Baku and “expects a constructive response and a quick compromise.” In January and February, Azerbaijani pro-government media accused the Russian cultural center of espionage. It was shut down, though the official reason given was the lack of legal registration. Here is an analysis of the reasons that likely led to the escalation of tensions between the two countries, with the crash of an Azerbaijani passenger plane due to a Russian missile strike being one of them

● Russia’s special representative for Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, Igor Khovayev, is ready to visit the South Caucasus for consultations, Zakharova said.

● Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry again reported that its positions were shelled from Armenia, this time in the Goris and Basarkechar regions.

● “Armenia supports a balanced approach in choosing the location for signing the peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The time and place of the signing have not yet been discussed,” said Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan.

● The British Embassy extended greetings for Nowruz, stating: “This is a time to reflect on hope, love, and new beginnings as we welcome spring. May this holiday bring new hopes and fresh starts.”

● In Turkey, 37 people were detained for allegedly “spreading fake news on social media to incite unrest and provocations” following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that posts were circulated from 261 accounts, 62 of which were managed from abroad. Large-scale protests in support of İmamoğlu are ongoing in Istanbul.

In Azerbaijan, spring began on March 20 at 13:01:25 local time, marking the spring equinox. Due to the Nowruz and Ramadan holidays, March 20–31 has been declared non-working days. Photo JAMnews from Baku, dedicated to the Nowruz celebrations:

● “The public is aware of the content of the peace agreement with Baku, and detailed information on its text will be made public after the document is signed,” said Armenia’s Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan.

● Armenia will have a defense attaché at its UN representation. The government explains this decision as necessary to better present the country’s military-political priorities and approaches within the UN framework.

● The Margara checkpoint on the Armenia-Turkey border will be open from March 21 to 31 for the transit of humanitarian aid to Syria through Turkey. The decision was made at an Armenian government meeting.

● The head of the Investigative Committee promises an objective investigation into the beating of Tigran Ulubabyan, a Karabakh native, by police officers, lawyer Roman Yeritsyan told reporters. According to him, six officers involved in the incident have been identified. A face-to-face confrontation between Ulubabyan and the officers is scheduled for tomorrow. The 28-year-old refugee claims he was forced to confess to robbing an apartment rented by his relatives. He says the interrogation involved insults and beatings. Yeritsyan showed journalists his client’s clothing as evidence, saying it was stained with coffee allegedly spilled on him by police and torn during the assault (as seen in the video).

● Armenian and Russian deputy foreign ministers Mnatsakan Safaryan and Mikhail Galuzin held consultations in Moscow. They discussed political and security matters, trade, economic, and cultural cooperation, as well as the situation in the South Caucasus. They also talked about expanding cooperation within the “3+3” format (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Russia, and Turkey). Georgia continues to firmly reject participation in this format.

● Armenia and Russia are ready to increase agricultural trade, as stated during a meeting of their economy ministers in Moscow. Bilateral agricultural trade grew by 9% last year.

● Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Armenia freezing its membership in the CSTO (a post-Soviet military alliance led by Russia): “This does not contribute to Armenia’s security. As a prudent housekeeper, I must say that defrosting takes time.”

● “If Armenia joins the European Union, it will have to comply with sanctions against Russia,” said Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu.

● Armenia’s national football team lost 0-3 to Georgia in the first UEFA Nations League playoff match. During the game, Armenian fans called for the resignation of the Football Federation chief, chanting, “Melikbekyan, resign!” The prime ministers of Armenia and Georgia attended the match together.

● Lithuanian journalist Regina Yegorova was denied entry to Georgia. She said border officers gave her no explanation. Yegorova has lived in Georgia for 15 years and holds a residence permit. This is not the first time the country has barred foreign journalists for unknown reasons.

● Today marks the 113th consecutive day of pro-European protests in Georgia. Student unions involved in the demonstrations announced a new strategy, saying they will gather daily at various educational institutions to discuss problems in the education sector. Protesters continue to demand new parliamentary elections, a legal transition of power, and the release of arrested demonstrators.

● “Despite repression, society will not stop—we will find new ways to help each other. No one will ever prevent us from raising funds to support people,” said Baya Pataraia, head of Safari Union, responding to the freezing of charity organizations’ bank accounts. The General Prosecutor’s Office froze the accounts of organizations that supported fined protesters and political prisoners, citing an investigation into “subversion” and “activities against the constitutional order.” Human rights groups say this move aims to suppress the protest movement. Read more here

● Fines imposed on protesters in Georgia have reached 2 million lari (around $720,000). Read more here

● Georgia’s Public Broadcaster began broadcasting from its new headquarters. The first program featured Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party. The channel faces criticism for alleged bias and loyalty to the government, as noted in a report by Georgia’s Charter of Journalistic Ethics. During the interview, as has been the case for over three months, hundreds of protesters stood outside the broadcaster’s building, chanting “Slave!” at Kobakhidze.

● Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the recent meeting between Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili and US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan was initiated by the Georgian side. “Both participants expressed interest in significantly improving relations. We have publicly stated our desire to reset ties and start a strategic partnership from scratch with a clear roadmap,” he said.

● 5th president Salome Zourabichvili signed a joint letter with the opposition requesting the inclusion of Georgia’s crisis on the European Council’s agenda. She sent it to European leaders, stating: “The situation in Georgia is part of the crisis gripping Europe today. In Ukraine, it is war, while in Georgia, it is a hybrid crisis. But it is also an attack on the country’s independence, democracy, and European aspirations. First, elections were manipulated, and now the ‘Georgian Dream’ regime is dismantling freedom in the country.”

● Archil Gorduladze, chairman of the Georgian Dream legal affairs committee, announced plans to draft a law restricting foreign funding for online media, arguing it could be used for “subversive activities.” Parliament, controlled by Georgian Dream, has already passed a law banning foreign funding for TV and radio broadcasters, but the party believes this is not enough. “Online media is now used as an even greater tool of influence than TV channels,” was stated during a committee meeting.

● Georgia’s foreign trade turnover increased by 15.6% in January-February compared to the same period last year. The top three export destinations from Georgia: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan. The top three import sources: US, Russia, Turkey.

● Georgia’s national football team arrived in Yerevan ahead of their UEFA Nations League Division B playoff match against Armenia. The game will take place at Vazgen Sargsyan Stadium, and in Tbilisi, it will be broadcast on big screens at First Republic Square. The second leg will be held in Tbilisi on March 23 at Dinamo Stadium.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced he is ready to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. “The draft peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been finalized and is awaiting signing,” he wrote on social media. He also stated that he gave clear instructions to the Ministry of Defense not to violate the ceasefire. “Armenia is moving toward peace, not war,” the prime minister said.

● “Armenia considers the use of force only for defense against aggression,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan, responding to Baku’s accusations of “militarization” and preparations for military action. “There are no issues on Armenia’s agenda that imply a forceful resolution. This could only apply to the return of over 200 sq. km of Armenian territory occupied by Azerbaijan, but even here, Yerevan does not seek a military solution. All actions in the border areas are purely defensive, and the current agenda is focused on advancing the peace process,” Badalyan stated.

● Major betting companies have been fined nearly $2.5 million for unfair competition and misleading the public, according to the competition protection commission.

● A case of police brutality against a 28-year-old displaced person from Karabakh in Vanadzor has sparked outrage. He claims officers insulted and beat him to force a confession to a recent apartment robbery involving his relatives. After public outcry, he was released, but no action was taken against the six officers involved. A protest demanding justice took place outside the Investigative Committee in Yerevan, with demonstrators blocking the street.

● Armenian blogger Vardan Ghukasyan (known as “Dog”), who violated U.S. immigration laws, will not be released. His lawyer announced on social media that a Las Vegas court denied his request for release. Here’s a story about how Dog, a former police officer, built a network of informants and seeks to influence political life in Armenia.

Photo: In Tehran, the iconic Azadi Tower was illuminated in the colors of the Armenian tricolor in celebration of Nowruz as a sign of friendship with Armenia.

● Today, Azerbaijan celebrates Nowruz, marking the arrival of spring and the start of the new year. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage, March 21 is also designated by the UN as “International Nowruz Day.” Azerbaijan has declared 12 days of holidays for Nowruz and Ramadan. Below are photos from the celebrations in Baku.

● Journalist Fatima Movlamli, arrested in the “Meydan TV case” and accused of smuggling, wrote a letter from prison. “Even here, people don’t believe that independent journalists are smugglers. They think this charge is used only to discredit and arrest us. […] I laughed when masked officers handcuffed me, I laughed when a staged court ruled on my arrest, and now I laugh in my prison cell as I write this letter. The helplessness of those who detain and slander us only makes me stronger. […] I’m doing fine. I see my handcuffs as my new press card,” she wrote.

● The State Security Service announced the arrest of an Azerbaijani citizen who filmed and shared a video on social media showing military equipment movements, suggesting preparations for an operation at the border. The SSS stated that the video, posted on TikTok, was later combined with unrelated footage, leading to misinformation. A criminal case has been opened.

● A new defense ministry report alleges Armenian fire on Azerbaijani army positions, this time in the Basarkechar district.

● Azerbaijani and Dutch foreign ministers held a phone conversation. Jeyhun Bayramov outlined Azerbaijan’s stance on several issues:

• A peace treaty with Yerevan requires constitutional changes in Armenia, which still contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan.
• The OSCE Minsk Group, which mediated the Karabakh conflict since the 1990s, should be dissolved.
• The trial of ethnic Armenian separatist leaders is based on their crimes against Azerbaijan.
• Accusations against Azerbaijan over these arrests are baseless.
• A UN Human Rights Council report from March 13 dismissed Armenian claims on this matter.
• After Azerbaijan’s counterterrorism measures, over 10,000 members of illegal Armenian armed groups were allowed to leave as a humanitarian gesture.

● Similar topics were discussed in a call between Bayramov and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Azerbaijan celebrates Nowruz. Photos by JAMnews

● The Prosperity Georgia Foundation has received an official notice stating that the Prosecutor’s Office has frozen its accounts. The foundation claims the reasoning behind the freeze is vague, with only the existence of a criminal case being clear. The Prosecutor’s Office announced that accounts belonging to the “Nanuka” fund, Prosperity, the “Tbilisi Human Rights House,” and the organization “Shame” were frozen as part of an investigation into “sabotage” and “activities against the constitutional order.” All these organizations have been supporting fined protesters and political prisoners. Read more here

● The Social Justice Center has condemned the freezing of civil society organizations’ bank accounts, calling the move politically motivated. “This step is aimed at weakening the protest movement in the country and punishing demonstrators,” the center’s statement says.

● A court has found Mzia Amaglobeli, director of the popular outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, guilty of an administrative offense. She has been fined 2,000 GEL (around $600) for attempting to put up a poster about a nationwide strike on a building. A separate trial on her alleged assault of a police officer has been postponed to March 31. Amaglobeli faces up to seven years in prison for slapping the Batumi police chief, who reportedly insulted her with obscene language.

● “This case will reach Strasbourg, and the truth will be proven,” Amaglobeli’s lawyer, Nona Kurdovanidze, said on social media.

● The Clooney Foundation for Justice has announced that it is monitoring Amaglobeli’s trial. According to its website, experts from the foundation are preparing a report assessing whether the case meets international fair trial standards.

● The trial of detained Batumi activist Temur Katamadze, known as the “flag bearer,” has continued. The court rejected his request for international protection.

● The ruling Georgian Dream party has unanimously passed the second reading of the “Foreign Agents Registration” bill, modeled after the U.S. FARA law. If adopted, it will replace the existing “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence.” Local and international human rights groups warn that the law will significantly restrict the work of NGOs and media in Georgia. The differences between the Georgian and U.S. versions of the law – more details here.

● The Georgian Dream party has also passed a second reading of an amendment to reintroduce the crime of treason into the criminal code. Details on what Georgian Dream considers treason can be found here

● The opposition United National Movement (UNM) has reported that Levan Varshalomidze, a party member and former head of the Adjara government under Mikheil Saakashvili’s presidency, has been arrested in Kazakhstan. UNM suspects that Russia requested his arrest due to his political consulting for Ukrainian authorities. “There is a risk of Varshalomidze’s extradition to Moscow, and we are using all our resources to provide the Kazakh government with accurate information,” the party stated.

● The Prosecutor’s Office has charged a suspect in the murder of businessman Levan Jangveladze, the brother of crime boss Merab Jangveladze. The charges include premeditated murder under aggravated circumstances, as well as illegal possession, storage, and carrying of firearms. The suspect faces 16 to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment.

Tbilisi from above. Photo by David Pipia / JAMnews:

● The Ministry of Defense reported that Azerbaijani army positions were once again shelled from the Armenian side. This marks the third consecutive day of such reports. This time, the shelling allegedly took place on March 18 from 16:40 to 18:30 in the Basarkechar region.

● Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizade stated that Armenia “must stop shelling Azerbaijani army positions and the blatant provocations by Armenian soldiers, which have been recorded on video and acknowledged by the Armenian side.” He also said that Baku “firmly rejects” the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office’s statement, which claimed that “the Armenian side conducted an inspection and refuted allegations of ceasefire violations.” European monitors patrolling the Armenian side of the border with Azerbaijan also stated that they could not confirm any shelling incidents.

● Commenting on Armenia’s proposal to establish a joint border incident investigation mechanism, Hajizade said: “Instead of demonstrating goodwill and stopping provocations, Yerevan puts forward abstract and practically unfeasible proposals. If the Armenian government truly follows a peace agenda, it should explain how large-scale militarization, including the deployment of offensive weapons in border areas, aligns with that agenda.”

● Hajizade also outlined two key conditions for signing the finalized peace treaty: 1) amendments to Armenia’s constitution to permanently renounce territorial claims against Azerbaijan, and 2) the official dissolution of the outdated and non-functional OSCE Minsk Group. This body, led by the US, France, and Russia, facilitated negotiations on the Karabakh conflict for over 30 years. Baku and Yerevan announced on March 13 that they had fully agreed on the peace treaty text and ended negotiations on the matter.

● UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy: “Azerbaijan and Armenia have announced the conclusion of negotiations on a historic peace agreement. We welcome this important step and urge both sides to proceed with signing it as soon as possible.”

● A delegation led by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Defense Minister Zukan Helez has arrived in Baku for an official visit. Discussions reportedly focus on further cooperation in defense industries and demining efforts.

● Authorities have extended the closure of Azerbaijan’s land borders until July 1, 2025. The borders have remained closed for five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the official justification still being quarantine measures. Earlier, President Ilham Aliyev stated that this decision had saved Azerbaijan “from very great troubles” but did not specify what he meant.

● Azerbaijan has launched procedures to begin exporting eggs to the US for the first time in the history of trade relations between the two countries.

● Whiskey production in Azerbaijan has surged significantly, increasing by 57.3% in January-February 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the State Statistics Committee.

Contemporary art in Baku. Photo by JAMnews:

● The Ministry of Defense denied for the ninth time in two days Baku’s claim that Armenia is allegedly shelling Azerbaijani positions. “These reports are not true,” the ministry stated.

● The Prime Minister’s Office reaffirmed its proposal to establish a joint mechanism with Azerbaijan to investigate ceasefire violations and related claims. The statement also emphasized that “the Armenian army has neither the grounds nor orders to violate the ceasefire.”

● Baku called this statement a “distortion of reality” and once again accused Armenia of “large-scale militarization, including the deployment of offensive weaponry in border areas.”

● Russian Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk: “The trilateral commission at the level of vice premiers of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan has not been dissolved, but it is currently in a ‘dormant’ state.”

● The defense team of former unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh state minister Ruben Vardanyan, who is under arrest in Azerbaijan, requested access to protocols and an attached audio recording during his latest court hearing in Baku. The judge granted the request, according to Azerbaijani media.

● The upper house of Switzerland’s Federal Assembly passed the bill “Nagorno-Karabakh Peace Forum: Ensuring the Possibility of Armenian Return,” with 29 out of 46 parliamentarians voting in favor.

● “More than 21,800 displaced people from Artsakh (Karabakh) have found employment in Armenia,” said the deputy minister of labor and social affairs.

● Senator Roger Wicker: “In Georgia, Serbia, and Hungary, citizens are taking to the streets to protest corruption and authoritarianism. I support all those fighting for a democratic future. Leaders must respect their citizens’ calls for accountability, not respond with Kremlin-style repression.”

● The ruling Georgian Dream government has frozen funds that assisted fined protesters and political prisoners. The Prosecutor’s Office stated that the decision was made as part of an investigation into “sabotage” and “activities against the constitutional order.” Read more here

● Georgian Dream secretary Mamuka Mdinaradze on the decision: “When someone commits a crime and is fined, but then someone says, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll pay for you,’ this is just as harmful as the crime itself. Fines are meant to prevent violations, but those who create funds to cover them undermine this.”

● Mamuka Mdinaradze stated that planned restrictions on media broadcasters will not apply to online media outlets. The broadcasting bill, which independent experts believe effectively introduces censorship, passed its second reading in the Georgian Dream-led parliament.

● Mamuka Mdinaradze: “The criminal code will be amended to include mandatory treatment as a form of punishment for drug-related crimes. Judges will decide on a case-by-case basis. International law allows for such measures—when a person is a danger to themselves, they are also a danger to society.” The Georgian Dream-led parliament is preparing amendments to tighten penalties for drug use and trafficking, including marijuana. On March 17, the bill passed its first reading in the Legal Affairs Committee. A legal expert argues that these measures will not solve drug addiction issues and may even worsen them

● The Legal Affairs Committee has approved in its second reading the inclusion of a treason article in the criminal code. Details on what Georgian Dream considers treason can be found here

● The “Foreign Agent Registration” bill, which mirrors the U.S. FARA law, has passed its second reading in the Legal Affairs Committee. Local and international human rights groups warn that it will severely restrict NGOs and media operations in Georgia. The differences between the Georgian and U.S. versions of the law – more details here.

● Tina Bokuchava, leader of the opposition United National Movement, stated that the harsh sentence against former President Mikheil Saakashvili was not only Georgian Dream’s responsibility but also that of 5th president Salome Zourabichvili, who could have pardoned him but refused. Saakashvili has been sentenced to a total of 12 years and 6 months in prison. Read more here

● A 1975-born suspect, G.U., has been arrested for shooting two people on Chavchavadze Avenue in Tbilisi. L.J., born in 1964, died at the scene, while G.Ch., born in 1965, was hospitalized. The suspect has been charged with premeditated murder and illegal possession and carrying of a firearm. These charges carry a sentence of around 15 years, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Spring in Tbilisi. Photo by David Pipia / JAMnews

● “If we agree on equal conditions for both sides – for example, neither I nor you touch this microphone – where is the capitulation here? [When determining the border with Azerbaijan], it is simply stated that on this side of the line is Armenia, and on the other side is Azerbaijan,” parliament speaker Alen Simonyan told journalists.

● “As Armenia and Azerbaijan move closer to peace, it is important not to forget the Armenians unlawfully detained in Baku and subjected to sham trials by Aliyev’s regime. The European Parliament calls for their immediate release,” wrote MEP Miriam Lexmann on social media.

● The Ministry of Defense denied Azerbaijan’s claim that Armenian forces allegedly shelled Azerbaijani positions on the night of March 18, calling the reports false.

● German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender will visit Armenia and Azerbaijan from March 30 to April 2, according to his press service.

● Ethnic Armenians living in Sweden and Denmark held protests, calling on their governments to “immediately take action against the systematic violations of the rights of Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan.” Protesters demanded a public condemnation of human rights violations in Azerbaijan and urged Baku to “immediately release the political and military leadership of Artsakh, as well as other unlawfully detained Armenians and prisoners of war.”

● Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan discussed Wizz Air’s expansion plans in Armenia, including operations at Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport and the newly upgraded airport in Gyumri.

● Armenia has been ranked among terrorism-free countries, improving its position by six spots compared to 2023. It now ranks 79th in the Global Terrorism Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).

● Car dealers in Armenia who import electric vehicles under the guise of personal imports will start losing their licenses, announced Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan.

● Azerbaijan has launched criminal cases against several exiled bloggers and businessmen known for their sharp criticism of the government. Some face fraud and economic crime charges, while others are accused of terrorism. The Prosecutor General’s Office has issued official notices, including to prominent businessman Ilgar Hajiyev, who has been placed on a wanted list. Also named is former Azerbaijan Popular Front Party member and blogger Mahammad Mirzali, who was previously attacked and stabbed multiple times in France. Bloggers Gurban Mammadov, Elshad Mammadov, Gabil Mammadov, and Tural Sadygly have also been summoned for questioning in Baku.

● Subkhan Hasanli, head of the Azerbaijani Center for Social Rights, who currently lives abroad, has strongly denied the charges against him in Baku. He is accused of illegal business activities, tax evasion, and other crimes. A court has ordered his arrest in absentia, and he has been placed on an international wanted list. More on Hasanli’s arguments here

● The Ministry of Defense again reported shelling of Azerbaijani positions from the Armenian side in multiple areas, including Garakilsin, Chambarak, and Basarkechar.

● The trial of former leaders of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) continues in Baku. A total of 14 individuals are in custody, facing charges of violent seizure of power, terrorism, and war crimes. According to local media, former NKR “Defense Minister” Levon Mnatsakanyan stated in court:

• He was appointed “defense minister” and “commander of the Karabakh army” in June 2015 by then Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.
• All high-ranking appointments in the “Karabakh Defense Army” were overseen by Armenia’s Ministry of Defense.
• Armenia provided financial support and weapons.
• Every year, Armenia sent 7,000–8,000 conscripts to serve in the “NKR.”
• Armenia produced and supplied anti-personnel mines to Karabakh.

● German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will visit Armenia and Azerbaijan from March 30 to April 2, according to his press service.

● Baku hosted the 22nd meeting of the inter-parliamentary commission between Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis and Russia’s Federal Assembly.

● Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR signed a memorandum of understanding with Israel’s Union Energy during an Azerbaijani delegation’s visit to Israel. According to official reports, SOCAR has obtained licenses for oil exploration in Israel’s exclusive economic zone. Other energy cooperation projects were also discussed.

● In January–February 2025, Italy was the top importer of Azerbaijani oil, with a 48.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Germany ranked second (a 6.1-fold increase), followed by the Czech Republic (a 2.9-fold increase).

● Azerbaijan has significantly expanded its presence in the transit transport market, according to the country’s Land Transport Agency:

• Azerbaijani companies account for 85% of cargo transportation between Azerbaijan and Russia.
• In 2021, Azerbaijani carriers held a 19% market share in Turkey, which grew to 41% by 2024.

● The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) reported that between March 10 and 16, it detected and neutralized 155 anti-personnel mines, 49 anti-tank mines, and 606 unexploded ordnances in areas retaken during the Second Karabakh War and subsequent operations. A total of 1,651.1 hectares have been cleared.

● Azerbaijan is celebrating the last Tuesday before Novruz Bayram – “Torpag Chershenbesi.” Baku Airport will operate in an enhanced mode until March 31 due to the upcoming March 20 holiday.

In the photo by Azertac, former “defense minister” of the NKR Levon Mnatsakanyan testifies during the trial on March 17:

● Senator Jim Risch: “Friends of Georgia around the world are shocked and outraged by its government’s shift toward authoritarianism and the brutal suppression of pro-democracy protesters. The Megobari Act will send a strong signal that America supports the Georgian people in their fight for self-determination and will provide the U.S. with tools to help Georgian citizens restore fairness in their political system.”

● The U.S. Senate plans to discuss the Megobari Act on March 27. The bill, jointly introduced by Republican and Democratic senators, consists of two main sections. One calls for strict sanctions against individuals responsible for the decline of democracy in Georgia, corruption, support for Russian interests, and sanctions evasion. The other promises increased support for the country “if Georgia strengthens its democratic and pro-Western course.” More details on what is written in the Megobari Act here

● Senator Jeanne Shaheen: “At a time when Russia is seeking to undermine democracies across the region, we cannot turn away from a key partner striving for a free and democratic future. I look forward to working with Senator Risch to swiftly advance the Megobari Act through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.” Shaheen and Risch are co-authors of the Megobari Act.

● Giorgi Vashadze, one of the leaders of the opposition alliance Unity – National Movement: “Georgia’s relations with America will only begin to improve when political prisoners are released and new parliamentary elections are scheduled. Our strategic partnership with the U.S. will be restored as soon as we change the government and remove this anti-Western, self-declared regime, bringing democratic forces to power. The Megobari Act will serve as the foundation for this process. Georgia has two choices: isolation, where ‘Georgian Dream’ is leading it, or integration with America and Europe—more investment, more jobs, more visa-free travel, and more benefits for the Georgian people. That is the essence of the Megobari Act.”

● Georgia’s national rugby team became the European champion, defeating Spain 46-28 in the final match of the 2025 European Championship. The Georgian Leopards secured their eighth consecutive title and their 17th overall. The match took place in Tbilisi at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium.

● Starting March 17, Georgia’s weather is set to worsen, with a sharp drop in temperatures. Rain is expected, and heavy snowfall is possible in mountainous regions. A storm with a strength of 4-5 on the Beaufort scale is also forecasted at sea.

Photo: Mass protests in Georgia have been ongoing for the third month, demanding new parliamentary elections as a legal way to change the government. Another key demand is the release of more than 30 arrested protesters, who are facing long prison sentences.

Photo: Mass protests in Georgia have been ongoing for the third month, demanding new parliamentary elections as a legal way to change the government. Another key demand is the release of more than 30 arrested protesters, who are facing long prison sentences. In the photo by Davit Pipia/JAMnews, protesters are holding signs with the photos and names of those arrested:

● In Azerbaijan, two human rights activists were arrested on the same day – Bashir Suleymanli, head of the Institute for Civil Rights, and Mamed Alpay (Mamedzade), head of the Election Monitoring Alliance (pictured below). They are accused of abuse of power, official fraud, and money laundering, and have been placed in pretrial detention for 3 months and 28 days. Both activists claim they are being politically persecuted. Reports also indicate that authorities have reopened criminal cases against several NGOs that were initiated in 2014 and later closed.

● Trump’s national security advisor Mike Waltz: “We are pleased that Azerbaijan and Armenia have taken a big step forward and agreed on a peace deal. The conflict in the South Caucasus must come to an end. This week, I spoke with Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev. We must work together to make the region safer and more prosperous. The golden age of America will bring peace and prosperity to the world, and until that happens, we will not stop.”

● Comments on the agreed text of the peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia: from Baku here, from Yerevan here.

● The presidents of Russia, Belarus, and Tajikistan, who were holding an informal meeting in Moscow, called Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Reports state that the participants exchanged views on the further development of interstate relations.

● The Milli Majlis has protested the European Parliament over a resolution adopted on March 13 calling on Azerbaijan to “immediately release Armenian detainees.” In a letter sent to the European Parliament, the resolution was described as “unjustified and biased.” “Azerbaijan has a legitimate right to prosecute individuals suspected of serious crimes, including separatism, crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and terrorism. […] Armenia occupied internationally recognized Azerbaijani territories for over 30 years, committing countless war crimes against Azerbaijani civilians. The European Parliament chose to remain silent on all these crimes, including the Khojaly genocide. […] The reintegration of the Karabakh region was carried out in accordance with Azerbaijan’s Constitution and international law. In this context, the European Parliament’s calls for ‘sanctions,’ ‘suspension of agreements,’ and diplomatic restrictions are unacceptable attempts to interfere in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs.”

● The Ministry of Defense reported twice on Sunday, March 16, that Azerbaijani positions were fired upon from Armenia in the Goris region.

● A delegation from the Russian Federation Council, led by its speaker Valentina Matviyenko, is on a visit to Baku. Meetings with Azerbaijani officials and a session of the interparliamentary commission are planned.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the agreement on the text of the peace treaty between Yerevan and Baku with the presidents of France and Iran.

● Throughout Sunday, Armenia’s Ministry of Defense firmly denied Azerbaijan’s claims that Armenian forces allegedly fired on Azerbaijani positions, calling the reports “false and unfounded.”

● The family of former state minister of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Ruben Vardanyan, who is on trial in Azerbaijan, has released the second part of his recent message. Vardanyan shares a personal story from his youth about how kindness and people’s help “changed him.” He was living in Russia when he was drafted into the Soviet army and assigned to serve in Azerbaijan. He preferred to serve in Armenia, but the draft office demanded a large bribe. He had no money, but some random travelers helped him collect the required amount, allowing him to serve in Armenia. “It’s easy to give someone a large sum when you have a billion. But these guys gave me the last of what they had,” Vardanyan writes.

● A video of a swan walking through the streets of Yerevan has gone viral on social media. How it ended up there remains unknown, but the footage has sparked a strong reaction.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 10-14 March, 2025