Top stories in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia from June 3-7, 2024

● The State Department announced the first package of sanctions against officials in Georgia involved in the adoption of the “foreign agents” law. These sanctions include a ban on entry to the U.S. and the revocation of existing visas. Up to 30 deputies, law enforcement officers, ruling party members, and their family members are on the list, though specific names are not disclosed. More details here 

● The U.S. Helsinki Commission reported that more colleagues are joining the MEGOBARI Act (meaning “friend” in Georgian) initiated by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson in support of the Georgian people. The document calls for increased oversight of the Georgian government’s actions and its ties with Russia and authoritarian regimes. It also proposes providing Georgia with a significant military and trade package and liberalizing the visa regime with the U.S. if the country’s authorities reject the anti-democratic course.

● Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen welcomed the introduction of visa restrictions “for those responsible for undermining democracy and attacking peaceful protesters in Georgia. The adoption of the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act will make the restrictions permanent, clearly showing that this decision is not a short-term action.”

● Chairman of the “United National Movement” Levan Khabeishvili: “Members of the ruling party, parliamentarians who voted for the ‘Russian law,’ police who dispersed peaceful protesters – all of them are under U.S. sanctions, and it has been stated that this is just the beginning. Will investors come to such a country? Sanctions against Ivanishvili’s team will affect the standard of living of the Georgian people.”

● The Prime Minister called the “foreign agents” law the “Constitution of Georgia’s sovereignty.” He said that nothing and no one would force the ruling party to repeal the law. Irakli Kobakhidze reiterated that he is ready for public discussions, but supposedly no one agrees. He called the U.S. sanctions “blackmail.” Read more here

● “Georgian Dream” deputy Irma Zavradashvili: “These sanctions convince me once again that we did the right thing. They cannot stop the right actions we are taking.”

● Minister of Culture Tea Tsulukiani: “Our government acts as a shield. The U.S. sanctions are a mistake; they aim to create or deepen a rift between the government and the people. The minority that takes to the streets, of course, does not represent the opinion of the entire society. But if these sanctions involve more people in protests, the government could easily be overthrown. And then what? The people will be left alone with dangers, without the shield that protects all of us. Let me say it loudly: we work under the leadership of Bidzina Ivanishvili (the oligarch and honorary chairman of the ruling party), and so far, we are succeeding because the threat has not materialized.”

● EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski invites everyone discussing financial transparency of NGOs to visit the embassy’s website and read the detailed information about all EU-funded projects available there. “In Brussels and other European capitals, it is not understood why high-ranking representatives of Georgia make absurd and harmful statements that the EU supposedly finances terrorism in Georgia and oppresses the country. Meanwhile, combating anti-Western propaganda is one of the nine EU recommendations for starting accession negotiations,” said Herczynski.

● Pawel Herczynski also told Georgian students that “the Georgian people should not pay the price for the authorities adopting the ‘foreign agents’ law, and the likelihood of canceling the visa-free regime between Georgia and the EU for everyone is low.”

● Activist and owner of the Black Stars bar Ioseb Babaev, arrested the day before in Gori, is expected to be released today. The judge ruled his detention and search illegal as they were not supported by neutral evidence – video recordings or the presence of witnesses. The judge also confirmed inhumane treatment of the accused. Babaev was arrested on charges of illegal possession of weapons. His lawyer claims that a pistol and an automatic weapon were planted on him during the arrest and that police beat Babaev during the detention.

● Georgia has the highest number of prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants not only in the region but also ranks second among 46 Council of Europe countries. This is according to a new Council of Europe report. Turkey ranks first with 408 prisoners per 100,000 population. In Georgia, there are 256. The lowest rate in the region is in Armenia, with 79 prisoners. In Azerbaijan, there are 244 prisoners per 100,000 population.

Photo by JAMnews: graffiti in Deda Ena Park in Tbilisi by the famous artist Giorgi Gagoshidze, also known as Gagosh. Watch JAMnews’ video story about him [2020] here

● “It is impossible to conclude a peace agreement between Baku and Yerevan if Armenia’s constitution remains unchanged, as it contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan,” said President Ilham Aliyev at a meeting with the chairmen of the parliaments of TURKPA member states (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan).

● “Baku has proposed that Yerevan jointly appeal to the OSCE to abolish the Minsk Group. There is no need for it, and it is not functioning. We will not allow it to function de facto. As for de jure, it should be legally abolished, which will show how sincere Armenia is,” said President Ilham Aliyev.

● An informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States will be held in Shusha (Karabakh) in July. The main topics of this meeting will be related to transportation and climate.

● “Moscow and Baku are discussing the establishment of Russian consulates in Azerbaijan. Russia hopes for success in this matter,” said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin. Earlier, the head of the Russian Federation Council Committee, Grigory Karasin, stated that Russia wants to open a consulate in Khankendi this year and is counting on Azerbaijan’s support. Why does Russia want a consulate in Karabakh? Read one expert opinion here

● “Cards of the Russian payment system ‘Mir’ have gradually started circulating in Azerbaijan. We appreciate our Azerbaijani friends for this approach, as it greatly contributes to the development of tourism connections. For Russian tourists, this is very important,” said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin. He explained that Azerbaijani manats can be withdrawn using the ‘Mir’ card at VTB ATMs.

● The Mayor of Tbilisi met with colleagues from Baku and Ganja. They discussed relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan and the deepening of cooperation between Tbilisi and Baku. Kaladze invited Azizov and Bayramov to “Tbilisoba” in October.

● The Defense Minister will go to Minsk on July 3. Zakir Hasanov will participate in a meeting of the CIS Defense Ministers Council.

● Azerbaijan and the World Trade Organization will hold the “Trade and Investment Day” initiative. This was announced during Ilham Aliyev’s meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Baku. The event will take place in November this year as part of COP29.

● Belarus will build a modern agro-town in the Agdam region (Karabakh), announced Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko.

● The State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan thwarted the smuggling of medicines from Georgia. During an inspection at the border, 920 vials, 515 ampoules, 400 units of various medications, and various dental supplies were found in the fuel tank of a truck.

● A Turkish astronaut of Azerbaijani origin will go to space on June 8 (in the photo). During the flight, Cihangir Atasever’s uniform will feature the flags of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Atasever will conduct seven different scientific experiments in space.

● Seven people were injured in an explosion at a gas station. One was discharged after receiving first aid. Two are in intensive care in critical condition, while four are stable. The explosion occurred near the Yerevan-Sevan highway when a gas tank exploded. There was a risk of a secondary explosion overnight as firefighters struggled to extinguish the fire.

● Baku proposed to Yerevan to jointly appeal to the OSCE to abolish the OSCE Minsk Group. The President of Azerbaijan stated that there is no need for the Minsk Group and that it is currently non-functional. Official Yerevan has yet to respond to the proposal.

● The press secretary of Nikol Pashinyan denied rumors of the Prime Minister’s participation in the COP29 conference in Baku. “Such a visit is not planned,” Nazeli Baghdasaryan told Armenpress.

● The Russian ambassador to Yerevan, who was called to Moscow for consultations, will soon return to Armenia and resume his duties. There is no talk of downgrading diplomatic relations, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.

● Damage assessment after severe flooding in northern Armenia is 90% complete. In the hardest-hit area, the community of Karkop, water supply has been restored on one section, and a new pipeline is being laid in the Sanahin station area, according to the regional administration. Work is underway to install pedestrian and temporary bridges, and humanitarian aid is being distributed to the affected residents.

● State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller: “Less than two weeks ago, we announced a review of our relations with Georgia in light of the ‘foreign agents’ law. There will be serious political consequences, not just rhetoric. Last year’s US budget included about $390 million in aid to Georgia. The review of this aid is currently underway. Potential sanctions against those involved in passing this law, including visa restrictions, are also being discussed. You will hear more from us on this, but not today. The Secretary of State will decide after consulting with colleagues.”

● Famous Georgian footballer Budu Zivzivadze asked the media to delete his interview where he said, “I have always said that Russia is an enemy, and I will always say that. My mother is from Abkhazia”; “It is very distressing to see one person being beaten by ten people.” “I expressed my opinion [about the ‘foreign agents’ law’] because I thought it was right. But now I am preparing for the European Championship, and I don’t need the additional stress [from the noise around these statements],” Zivzivadze said. There is a strong reaction on social media, with many believing that the footballer was pressured into deleting the interview.

● MEP Viola von Cramon: “The biggest fear of the ruling ‘Georgian Dream’ is losing the elections. [Oligarch and honorary chairman of the ruling party] Bidzina Ivanishvili and his close friends are willing to do anything to stay in power. So, the level of fraud in the upcoming October parliamentary elections will be incredibly high.”

● Chairman of the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee Michael Roth: “The Georgian government does not trust and insults its own people. The tens of thousands who demonstrate for a free, European Georgia are not ‘foreign agents’ but brave democrats. It is evident that the Georgian government is a puppet of the oligarch.”

● Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna: “The masks are off. With the ‘foreign agents’ law, Georgia is moving away from the EU, not towards it. This law symbolizes a change in the country’s development direction, and it will have consequences.”

● ‘European Georgia’ protested the arrest of party member and activist Ioseb Babaev in Gori. “This is a continuation of the regime’s campaign to persecute patriotic citizens. He should be released along with other political prisoners,” the statement said. Babaev, owner of the popular bar Black Stars, is known for his harsh public criticism of the authorities (in the photo). The State Security Service reported that Babaev was arrested in connection with a case of illegal weapons. The defense claims that a pistol and rifle were planted on him during the arrest, and Babaev was beaten.

● The European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN) and the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) sent an open letter to EU leadership demanding a response to the mass violence against independent fact-checkers in Georgia. Several were beaten, and many receive threatening calls. “This horrific campaign is encouraged by high-ranking officials of the ruling party, who label our colleagues as ‘stateless agents and neo-fascists who got what they deserved.'”

● Student movements held another protest in front of the parliament against the ‘foreign agents’ law and demanded the country’s return to the path of European integration.

● Parliamentary accreditation for two journalists from the independent TV channel ‘Pirveli’ – Maka Tsikhladze and Nata Kadzhaya – was suspended at the request of members of the ‘Power of the People’ movement (a satellite of the ruling party), who accused the reporters of ‘inappropriate behavior.’

● The UN Secretary-General published a report stating that there are currently 295,831 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Georgia due to conflicts. These are people who were forced to leave their homes due to the conflicts in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia in the 90s, as well as after the August 2008 war, and their children born in exile. “The lack of long-term solutions affects entire generations impacted by these displacements,” the report says.

● The football federations of Georgia and Armenia have jointly applied to host the 2029 U-20 World Cup.

● Unified national exams will begin on July 3 and end on July 26.

● “A few days ago, Baku received another set of peace treaty proposals from Yerevan. There are fewer open issues, showing progress,” said Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

● “Mirzoyan’s attempt to draw parallels between constitutional amendments in Azerbaijan and Armenia is unacceptable. The Armenian constitution contains territorial claims against neighboring states,” said Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. Earlier, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Armenia and Azerbaijan had “mutually voiced concerns about their respective constitutions.”

● “Azerbaijan is an important energy partner for the European Union. The volume of Azerbaijani gas transported to Europe is increasing,” said European Commission’s energy policy strategist Cristina Lobillo Borrero. Besides gas supplies, the EU cooperates with Azerbaijan on the energy transition.

● “The North-South corridor could become a vital international route, allowing for cargo delivery 10 days faster than via the Suez Canal. The project has the support of the President of Azerbaijan, the leadership of Iran, and foreign investors,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with foreign journalists.

● Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will arrive in Azerbaijan to participate in COP29.

● Azerbaijani serviceman Sanan Akhmedov died during parachute training exercises, reported the Ministry of Defense.

● “BP expects that its Azeri Central East oil facility in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian will be operational in about two years,” said the company’s executive vice president, Gordon Birrell.

● Hungarian company MVM signed a document in Baku to acquire a 5% stake in the development project of the Shah Deniz offshore gas condensate field in Azerbaijan.

● Acwa Power (Saudi Arabia) plans to invest $5 billion in renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan. The company intends to work on Caspian projects, said regional director Abid Malik at the Baku Energy Forum.

● The exhibition “Painting and Graphics of Azerbaijan from the 1920s to the 1980s” opened at the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art, featuring 157 works.

● In the Turkish city of Kahramanmaraş, devastated by an earthquake, the construction of the “Azerbaijan” neighborhood continues (in the photo). The project is funded by the Azerbaijani government.

● The government is discussing a package of bills proposing a review of turnover tax rates. “The turnover tax should be completely abolished as it distorts the economy; a gradual transition to a unified tax system is necessary,” said Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

● The criminal case against the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament’s daughter-in-law, Ani Gevorkyan, has been dropped, along with cases against four other defendants, reports “Joghovurd” newspaper, citing the General Prosecutor’s Office. “Ani Gevorkyan cooperated with the investigation and fully accepted the charges against her,” the prosecution told the publication. The criminal case concerned the embezzlement of state funds during the implementation of an intensive orchard development program and the creation of artificial barriers for companies participating in tenders.

● The Lithuanian government has approved the allocation of 100,000 euros as humanitarian aid to Armenia, which was affected by floods.

● “Increased spending on veterinary services has yielded results: we can now export meat to Georgia,” said Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan.

● Armenia and Georgia have submitted a joint bid to host the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup. UEFA has already expressed its support for this idea. If the bid is approved, two stadiums will be built in Armenia, one in the Lori Province and another near the cities of Dilijan and Ijevan, close to the Georgian border.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan posted a video of himself riding a bicycle, inviting others to join him on the route he set. He provided his email address, [email protected], for candidates to send their “resumes” to join him on these cycling trips.

● Today, the US is expected to decide on sanctions against Georgia’s ruling elite under the MEGOBARI Act, initiated by Congressman Joe Wilson after Georgia passed the “foreign agents” law. The US House of Representatives began discussing the document last night (Tbilisi time). The draft document also mentions increasing support for Georgia if its government abandons its anti-democratic course. Specifically, the liberalization of the visa regime and the start of significant military and trade programs are possible. Previously, Georgian authorities stated that “the US is trying to blackmail them” and suggested simply providing these opportunities to the country without any conditions. If sanctions are announced, they will affect not only those involved in passing the “foreign agents” law but also their family members. Read more here

● Congressman Steve Cohen stated in the US Congress during the discussion on Georgia: “The authorities do not demonstrate Western values when they try to suppress their own NGOs. Georgia wants to be a member of the European Union, aspires to join NATO, but now it is moving closer to Russia. Georgia already has the problem of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and with this experience, it should see that Russia is the enemy.”

● “The Kremlin is spreading disinformation,” said US State Department representative Matthew Miller, commenting on the statement by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin that “the West wants to repeat the scenario of the Ukrainian Maidan in Georgia.” Galuzin literally echoed similar statements by the leaders of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party. Matthew Miller reiterated that the protests in Georgia have nothing to do with the US, and “people are expressing their views.”

● “Suspending the visa-free regime with Georgia is being considered as one of the EU’s options after the adoption of the ‘foreign agents’ law in the country,” said EU Ambassador to Georgia Pavel Herczynski in an interview with the platform MOVEMENT. The full interview can be viewed here

● A bill on “Family Values and the Protection of Minors” has been introduced in the Georgian parliament, restricting LGBT rights. The project is heavily criticized by civil society in Georgia and the country’s Western partners. What bans it entails is analyzed here

● On June 4, the “offshore law” came into effect. On May 3, the president vetoed it, and on May 29, the parliamentary majority from the ruling party overcame the veto. The law is sharply criticized by the civil sector and independent economists in Georgia, as well as by the country’s Western partners. An analytical review “Georgia Becomes Putin’s Personal Treasure” is available on JAMnews here 

● The Marshall Fund has assessed political risks in Georgia during the preparation for the parliamentary elections in October. “The work of the media and independent observers during the elections will be complicated due to the adoption of the ‘foreign agents’ law. Georgia faces a toxic environment, political violence, arrests of government opponents, doubts about the legitimacy of election results, and long-term political complications,” the report says. Its authors recommend that Georgia’s international partners strengthen support for election observers and independent media.

● Independent television channel “Formula” journalist Sopho Gozalishvili has been stripped of her parliamentary accreditation for six months. In a written explanation, the parliamentary press service stated that she attempted to record an interview with MP Nino Tsilosani despite the MP’s refusal. The television channel did not broadcast this recording. A few days ago, the parliamentary accreditation of a journalist from the independent television channel “Mtavari Arkhi” was also revoked.

● The Ministry of Environmental Protection, together with the border police, has identified cases of pollution along the Black Sea coast. In their statement, they blame a ship flying the Panamanian flag.

Photo by JAMnews/Davit Pipia

● Armenia has ceased showing interest in contacts with Russia through the Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry channels as a result of Western pressure, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin in an interview with TASS. “There have been no meetings between foreign ministers since November 2023. Our partners showed no interest in our proposal for a new plan for inter-ministerial consultations. It is not our fault that the dynamic of contacts between defense ministries has significantly decreased. Military-technical cooperation has also declined,” he said.

● Armenia has responded to Azerbaijan’s latest proposals for a draft peace treaty by sending its supplemented ninth edition, reported Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan to Armenpress.

● Yerevan is hoping to participate in the “Black Sea Cable” project and is seeking support from Georgia, stated Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan in parliament. However, this requires updating and improving the energy infrastructure. He also noted that the delimitation process between Armenia and Georgia, which has stalled in recent years, should be resumed and brought to a logical conclusion.

● Armenia must raise the issue of access to Turkey’s and Georgia’s seaports at the WTO, said the Minister of Economy.

● One of the participants in the opposition protests in Yerevan has been arrested for a month, announced lawyer Ruben Melikyan on social media. Gnel Petrosyan is accused of hooliganism for allegedly kicking a police shield. There is no video evidence of this; the accusation is based solely on the testimony of a police officer.

● At the request of Armenian authorities, Switzerland is sending seven specialists to the flood-affected areas of Armenia. The engineers will assess the structural integrity of bridges and other structures in the disaster zone. Additionally, Bern has allocated 500,000 Swiss francs in support.

● In May, the level of Lake Sevan rose by 21 cm, the highest increase in the past eight years, according to Levon Azizyan, director of the Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center.

● Train services have been restored on 2 of the 8 damaged sections of railway infrastructure from Sanahin station to Ayrum station, reported South Caucasus Railway.

● The Baku Energy Week has started (pictured). President Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening of the “Caspian Oil&Gas” and “Caspian Power” exhibitions.

● “Today, eight countries, including six European ones, import gas from Azerbaijan. We are actively negotiating with several other countries that also need our gas to ensure their energy security,” said President Ilham Aliyev.

● Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó will arrive in Azerbaijan today.

● The opening ceremony of the “Caucasian Eagle-2024” exercises took place in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Georgian military personnel are participating.

● The “Nakhishly” workshop-atelier has started operations in Khojaly (Karabakh). Initially, it will produce tablecloths, decorative napkins, and towels.

● The production of Euro-5 gasoline at the Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery will begin in June, according to Trend, citing an informed source.

● Starting July 1, the retirement age for women in Azerbaijan will be 64 years. Currently, men retire at 65 years old, and women at 63.5 years old.

● Sentences have been issued against four more individuals accused in the “Tartar Case.” They have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 4 years and 10 months to 6 years and 10 months.

● A 23-year-old man committed suicide by jumping from the 16th floor of a residential building in Baku. He fell on the 52-year-old superintendent of the building, who was in the yard at the time. Both died at the scene.

● The “foreign agents” law in Georgia came into effect on June 4. NGOs and media outlets have 60 days to register. Read more here

● One of the leaders of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, stated that the accounts of NGOs and media outlets that refuse to comply with the “foreign agents” law could be frozen. Many NGOs and media have previously declared that they will not sign a document labeling them as “foreign agents.”

● State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated the US’s concerns about the adoption of the “foreign agents” law in Georgia during a briefing, stating that “the actions of the Georgian government fundamentally change the nature of relations with the US. The State Department is discussing potential response measures.”

● Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on the CIS, Artem Turov, said that “the Georgian government has strengthened the country’s sovereignty” by signing the “foreign agents” law.

● Seven opposition parties have signed the “Georgian Charter” proposed by the president, declaring their unified goals, primarily Georgia’s European integration, and a shared vision for reforms. Each party will run independently in the parliamentary elections in October, but by voting for any of them, voters will be endorsing the country’s foreign policy direction. Two parties, Girchi and For Georgia (the party of former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia), did not join the Charter. Girchi leaders stated they support the initiative but will not sign the charter. Read more here

● President Salome Zourabichvili, in her address to the parties that signed the “Georgian Charter,” stated that the platform’s goal is to work towards meeting EU requirements and integrating into the EU as quickly as possible.

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called opponents of the “foreign agents” law “liberal fascists and Bolsheviks.” He urged those who want to distance themselves from this ideology to “reconsider and repent.”

● NGOs in Batumi reported that their employees are receiving threatening calls, warning them not to protest against the “foreign agents” law. They are urging the prosecutor’s office to initiate criminal proceedings on these facts and to grant victim status to those receiving threats from foreign numbers.

● During a charity concert on June 2 at Republic Square in Tbilisi, 348,000 lari (approximately $130,000) was raised to cover fines for activists protesting against the “foreign agents” law.

● The president stated that “a very harmful law on the pension fund, which is one of Georgia’s greatest achievements, is being prepared.”

● Another Georgian fighter, Khvicha Gvirdjishvili, was killed in battles with Russian aggressors near Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Photo JAMnews/David Pipia

● “Armenia is doing everything possible to ensure that a peace treaty with Azerbaijan is signed as soon as possible,” said Araik Harutyunyan, the head of the Prime Minister’s office, to journalists.

● “The CSTO expects Yerevan to clarify the prospects of its relationship with the organization,” said CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov at the organization’s meeting in Almaty. He reminded that Armenia remains a full member of the organization.

● Special forces exercises were held in Armenia, involving aviation, artillery, electronic warfare, and other branches of the military. The maneuvers were observed by the Ministers of Defense and High-Tech Industry. In the presence of Suren Papikyan and Mkitar Hayrapetyan, soldiers played out various combat scenarios, including repelling diversionary attacks from a simulated enemy. Military equipment from several Armenian companies, which had been tested and delivered to the troops, was used in the exercises.

● “The protest movement is considering all possible options that could lead to a change of power in Armenia, including the resignation of opposition mandates,” stated Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, who is leading the protest against the border demarcation process with Azerbaijan and the transfer of four villages. The opposition has nominated Galstanyan as their sole candidate for Prime Minister if they succeed in forcing Nikol Pashinyan to step down from the post.

● Yesterday, a flash mob was organized as part of a protest near the Investigative Committee building in Yerevan: citizens held up mirrors reflecting the faces of police officers (pictured).

● Georgia is ready to assist Armenia in dealing with the aftermath of the flooding in the northern part of the country, as stated during a phone call between the foreign ministers of the two countries. Ararat Mirzoyan and Ilia Darchiashvili also discussed the bilateral agenda, including programs to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two countries.

● Armenian authorities aim to establish a connection with the large Skill India database to invite labor migrants from India. Through this platform, employers will be able to select employees and enter into contracts with them, said Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan in parliament.

● Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with US State Department Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations, Louis Bono. They discussed various aspects of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and the regional peace process in the post-conflict period.

● “Azerbaijan is ready to develop cooperation with the EAEU (a union led by Russia) on food security issues,” stated Prime Minister Ali Asadov at the EAEU plenary session in Minsk.

● Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament Nurlanbek Shakiyev has arrived in Baku. He will discuss expanding cooperation with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Sahiba Gafarova.

● Construction of the Iğdır-Nakhchivan gas pipeline continues, which will transport Azerbaijani gas from Turkey to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. “We hope to complete this pipeline ahead of schedule,” said Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.

● “Azerbaijan is ready to invest in Kazakhstan’s oil sector,” stated SOCAR head Rovshan Najafov during a meeting with Kazakh Ambassador to Baku, Alim Bayel.

● AZAL has launched its first direct flight from Baku to Bucharest. Flights will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays.

● Seven people were poisoned at the Zykh Shipyard. Two were hospitalized, and five died. The incident occurred during the repair of a floating dock. While on duty, Namig Yolchuyev noticed the absence of four colleagues and went to search for them in the ballast pump compartment, where he was also poisoned. An investigation is underway.

● The 9th International Bulbul Vocalists Competition has begun in Shusha (Karabakh) and will continue until June 9. The competition features Azerbaijani and international singers aged 18 to 36. The grand prize is $10,000.

● With the participation of tens of thousands of people, Tbilisi hosted the “Musicians for a European Future” marathon. An open-air concert by music stars at Republic Square became another massive protest against the “foreign agents” law and a public demand to return the country to the path of European integration. The marathon encouraged everyone to donate to a special bank account from which the fines imposed on protest participants by the courts are paid. It was reported that in just three hours of the concert, 250,000 lari (about $95,000) was raised.

● IDPs from Abkhazia held a protest in Tbilisi against the “foreign agents” law and for Georgia’s European integration.

● The Helsinki Commission has distributed a statement from US Senator Richard Hudson: “Vladimir Putin is a dictator who wants to restore the Soviet Union by any means. The US will always oppose Putin’s attempts to overthrow freedom and democracy. The MEGOBARI Act (which includes imposing sanctions on those who supported the “foreign agents” law in Georgia) is an important step in supporting Georgia’s democratic aspirations and opposing the spread of Russian influence in the country.”

● Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili accused activists from the National Movement (Mikheil Saakashvili’s party) of persecuting people who support the “foreign agents” law.

● Tsotne Koberidze, a member of the opposition party “Girchi – More Freedom,” reported that several unknown individuals ambushed him at a bus stop near his home and tried to beat him, even using a stun gun.

● Businessman Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the “Lelo” party, accused the authorities of undermining the deep-sea port project in Anaklia, Western Georgia. “You deprived the Georgian people of the prospects and hundreds of thousands of jobs that this project, in partnership with the EU and the US, provided. If you hadn’t persecuted us and this project, the port in Anaklia would have been operational by 2020.” Late last week, it was announced that the main investor in the Anaklia port construction project would be a Chinese consortium. However, Georgian NGOs report that companies in the consortium are under Western sanctions.

● MEP Miriam Lexmann condemned the attack on the National Movement’s office, where several dozen people vandalized the building in the middle of the night, breaking windows and damaging furniture. Lexmann said she was speaking not only on her own behalf but also on behalf of the European People’s Party. “You don’t need to be a genius to figure out the source and reasons for this intimidation. This spiral of democratic retreat requires a firm response,” she said.

● Journalists are repeatedly asking the chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, about his stance on the expected Western sanctions against him and his family. Several months ago, Garibashvili was at the center of a scandal when he chartered a private jet to take his son to study in the US. “You are asking me unserious questions, I am already tired. Do not worry about my son. I will take care of my family myself,” Garibashvili told journalists. Here are more details about the sanctions the US Senate is preparing against those in Georgia who supported the “foreign agents” law.

● In Georgia, a scandal surrounds the rehabilitation project of a stadium in Zugdidi, Western Georgia. 14 million lari (about $5 million) was spent on its construction. However, the football federation refused to accept it due to serious problems: safety system failures, 370 seats with obstructed views of the field, and a surrounding concrete wall that poses a health threat to players in collisions. Now, the state plans to spend an additional 16 million lari on the stadium’s reconstruction, as revealed in a tender announcement.

Photo JAMnews/David Pipia

● Economist and blogger Farid Mehralyzade has been sentenced to 3 months and 20 days of pre-trial detention. He is the latest figure involved in the “Abzas Media” case and is also charged under the criminal code article “smuggling committed by a group of persons.”

● Presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev met with his colleagues from Turkey and Uzbekistan, Akif Cagatay and Alisher Peygamov. They discussed the prospects of relations between the countries and regional issues of mutual interest.

● A foundation-laying ceremony for the small hydroelectric power plant “Malybey” took place in Lachin (Karabakh). The project is being implemented by the Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC), and Turkey’s Demirören Holding and Arges Energy Teal.

● A 67-year-old man fell onto the tracks at the “28 May” metro station in Baku. He died at the scene. The cause of his fall is unknown.

● “Karabakh” won the Azerbaijan Football Cup for the eighth time, defeating the “Zira” team 2-1 in the final match.

● On June 1, Children’s Day, an international children’s art festival was held in Shusha (Karabakh). About 250 schoolchildren from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Hungary participated in the event.

● The first circus on the Baku Caspian coast has opened. The audience was presented with the “Legends of Monte Carlo” program. The auditorium accommodates 1,250 people, and the arena has a diameter of 13 meters.

● Baku will open its first dolphinarium on the Caspian Sea coast within the next two years.

● Five Armenian lawyers held a demonstration on Anrapetutyan Street in central Yerevan, at the spot where “red berets” detained National Assembly deputy Ashot Simonyan on May 27, who was participating in opposition protests.

● Round-the-clock restoration work is ongoing on the section of railway damaged by flooding in northern Armenia (pictured). Transportation of people, food, essential items, and equipment to the villages of Karkop, Chochkan, and Big and Small Ayrum has been organized.

● For International Children’s Day, Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations rescuers delivered toys to villages along the Debed River, which are temporarily cut off from bridges and roads due to flooding (pictured).

● For International Bicycle Day, Nikol Pashinyan published a video of himself riding a bicycle, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Top stories in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia from May 27-31, 2024