Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 23-27 December, 2024

Azerbaijan is in shock over the tragic crash of an Azerbaijani plane in Aktau, which claimed the lives of 38 people. The flight was en route from Baku to Grozny but was redirected to Kazakhstan after being denied landing in Chechnya. Local media, citing government sources, report that the plane was hit by Russian air defense systems while they were countering an attack by Ukrainian drones near Grozny. Russia then allegedly refused to allow the damaged plane to land at its nearest airports, leading to the disaster. Read more here

Political analyst and head of the Atlas Analytical Center, Elkhan Shahinoglu: “I can confidently say that Putin, who was hosting the informal CIS summit in St. Petersburg at the time, knew the Baku-Grozny plane had been hit by Russian forces. Russia’s Ministry of Defense must have immediately reported the ‘mistaken’ strike on the passenger plane. The key question is: who ordered the prohibition of the plane’s landing at nearby airports after it was hit? Who wanted it to crash into the sea to cover up the crime in the Caspian? This order couldn’t have come solely from military officials in Grozny. This is an international crime, and it cannot be forgiven.”

Natig Jafarli, leader of the Republican Alternative Party, wrote: “This is a terrible tragedy. My condolences to the families of the victims, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.” He added: “P.S. The distance between Baku and Grozny is just 540 km—about a 6-7 hour drive by car,” hinting at the fact that Azerbaijan’s land borders have been closed since March 2020.

Political commentator Shahin Jafarli: “Russia shot down our passenger plane. Naturally, by mistake. Now, it must acknowledge this, apologize, compensate the families of the victims and injured, and pay damages to AZAL. But Russia has never acted as a responsible great state. It behaves like a rogue state. Our ally is a rogue state.”

? Pictured: A wall outside the Azerbaijani consulate in Aktau with a poster reading, “Stay strong, we are with you.”

Today, mass protests will continue in Tbilisi, demanding new parliamentary elections as a lawful way to change the country’s leadership. As in previous days, dozens of marches will take place, culminating in tens of thousands gathering outside the parliament. Tomorrow marks one month since the start of a new wave of protests, triggered by the announcement from Irakli Kobakhidze, the prime minister appointed by the ruling Georgian Dream, that Georgia’s EU accession process would be halted until 2028.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced that the European Union is considering additional measures against the ruling Georgian Dream party. “The responsibility for undermining democracy in the country lies with the leaders of Georgian Dream, and they must act to resolve the political crisis,” Baerbock stated.

U.S. Helsinki Commission Chair, Republican Senator Joe Wilson, posted three sharp critiques on X last night targeting Georgian Dream leader and oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. He described Ivanishvili as a “сorrupt lover of China & Iran and hater of America, is trying to transform Georgia from a democracy into a dictatorship. .” Wilson also wrote, “Are you ready for sanctions, Bidzina?” The Georgian opposition, mass protest participants, and current President Salome Zourabichvili regard her as the country’s sole legitimate authority and call on Western partners to adopt this stance.

President Salome Zourabichvili shared Joe Wilson’s post on X, writing: “Georgia trusts its partners and their support to their struggle for justice, freedom and democracy. I, as the President of Georgia, count on your solidarity! On the 29 and therafter … until new elections!”

Republican Senator John Cornyn stated, “The American people stand with the people of Georgia.”

Republican Senator Jim Risch added, “For four weeks, the Georgian people have resisted their government’s dangerous path. They demonstrate a desire to join the transatlantic community, and the government must respect this. I applaud their perseverance and pursuit of a brighter future, despite the challenges they’ve faced.”

Irakli Shaishmelashvili, a former high-ranking official in the special forces department, who announced his resignation earlier this month, revealed that he has now left Georgia with his family. In a Facebook post, he tagged President Salome Zourabichvili and the U.S. Embassy, writing, “P.S. We’ll be back soon.” His resignation followed violent crackdowns on mass protests, including beatings, arrests, and torture of demonstrators by special forces.

The Independent Professional Union of Civil Servants accused authorities of “political retaliation” after the dismissal of Tbilisi City Hall employee Giga Sopromadze, who coordinated disability programs and actively participated in protests.

The organization “Partnership for Human Rights” accused the Ministry of Internal Affairs of sending a hate-filled message to activist Tatia Datashvili, a prominent advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. The organization is demanding an internal investigation.

Mikhail Butskhrikidze, head of the Adigeni Municipal Council, criticized the government’s decision to suspend EU membership talks until 2028. In a Facebook post, he condemned the suppression of peaceful citizen protests.

The State Security Service reported a new incident in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone. Russian military forces illegally detained two Georgian citizens near the village of Kvemo Nikozi in the Gori district.

People at protests in Georgia. Photo by David Pipia / JAMnews

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan chaired the meeting of the Eurasian Economic Council (led by Russia) online. Earlier, he announced he would be unable to attend in person due to testing positive for COVID-19.

During the session, a sharp exchange took place between Pashinyan and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko proposed holding the next meeting in Minsk, to which Pashinyan replied that the Armenian delegation would only participate via videoconference. Lukashenko retorted, “If you have no way to get to Minsk, we’ll arrange it,” adding that he would cancel the option for online participation.

Relations between Armenia and Belarus have been tense for a long time. The diplomatic crisis began when Lukashenko, an ally of Armenia in several post-Soviet blocs, referred to the Second Karabakh War as a “liberation” for Azerbaijan during a visit to Baku in May this year. He also stated that he and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev agreed that “victory in war is achievable.” In response, Pashinyan declared that neither he nor other Armenian officials would visit Belarus as long as Lukashenko remains in power. Read more here

Controversy continues around Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan, this time sparked by comments made by his father. During a survey conducted by a local website, Avinyan’s father suggested that parking fees in premium zones should be raised from 160,000 drams (approximately $400) to 500,000 drams (around $1,200) to deter “thugs in their rural Opels” from parking there. The mayor apologized, stating that his father made “inappropriate and harsh remarks out of frustration.”

Armenia and Japan signed a convention to eliminate double taxation.

“A change of power can be achieved through street protests, culminating in a no-confidence vote against Nikol Pashinyan, and that process seems imminent,” stated Hayk Mamidjanyan, an opposition Republican Party MP.

Rare footage of a Caucasian leopard and its cub was captured in the Zangezur Reserve. Minister of Environment Hakob Simidyan attributed this to the effective management of protected areas.

In the photo: Children at an orphanage organized a concert for Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan, her deputies, and the head of the police department. One of the children, a teenager named Allen, shared his dream of becoming a police officer, and the patrol officers took him on an introductory ride-along.

Mass protests demanding new parliamentary elections to enable a lawful change of power continue today in Tbilisi. As in previous days, dozens of marches are planned, featuring diverse groups: parallel marches of ethnic Armenian and Azerbaijani Georgian citizens, the “Athletes Against Violence” march, a march of Batumi residents, a creative industry workers’ march, and a clergy children’s march.

The formation of a council tasked with preparing for new parliamentary elections was discussed during a lengthy meeting between the opposition and President Salome Zourabichvili, according to Nika Gvaramia, a leader of the opposition “Coalition for Change.” Gvaramia believes an agreement on election terms and subsequent steps is likely to be reached by December 29 and will remain final. On that day, the ruling party has scheduled the inauguration of its newly elected president, Mikheil Kavelashvili. However, Zourabichvili and the opposition assert that she will remain the sole legitimate president until new parliamentary elections are held, as the October 26 elections were fraudulent.

Ana Dolidze, a leader of the “Strong Georgia” coalition, announced after meeting with President Zourabichvili that she offered full support should the president decide not to vacate the presidential administration on December 29, the day of the inauguration of the ruling party’s president. “We are ready to stay at the Orbeliani Palace [the location of the administration] beyond December 29 and declare it the sole place for Georgia’s legitimate president. This will be a lawful, fair, and nonviolent action,” Dolidze said.

Here is a detailed analysis of the consultations in the presidential administration on how to conduct new elections in Georgia and what steps to take next.

Accredited diplomats in Georgia have not been invited to Mikheil Kavelashvili’s inauguration. The parliamentary press office cited “limited seating in the parliamentary chamber” as the reason. The ruling “Georgian Dream” held single-party presidential elections on December 14, with Kavelashvili as the sole candidate, introduced by the party’s honorary chairman, oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Read more here

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated Mikheil Kavelashvili on his election by the ruling “Georgian Dream.” The congratulatory letter, released yesterday, was dated December 14, the day of the one-party election.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has reported that it is continuing to investigate information regarding the deliberate damage to a vehicle belonging to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) observation mission on October 26, the day of the parliamentary elections, in the Sighnaghi district of the Kakheti region. This incident was highlighted in PACE’s highly critical report on the elections. More details here.

It has been announced that tomorrow, December 27, the court will deliver its final decision on the widely followed case of activists Omar Okribelashvili (born 2005) and Saba Meparishvili (born 2001). They were arrested on May 16 during protests against the “foreign agent” law and are accused of damaging the parliament’s fence. Below are photos of them taken during protests and released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Irakli Rukhadze, owner of the pro-government TV channel “Imedi,” stated after a meeting between business representatives and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, appointed by the ruling “Georgian Dream,” that the discussion included both government supporters and critics. “The meeting was respectful, and no one interrupted anyone,” Rukhadze said. According to him, Kobakhidze claimed that “Georgia was urged to join the war at the start of the conflict in Ukraine.” Rukhadze said he advised the government to “explain this more clearly to the population.”

Civil servants are forming a new organization called the “Independent Trade Union of Civil Servants for Article 78 of the Constitution.” They argue that the existing trade union does not represent public sector employees who have expressed loyalty to the Georgian people’s will and adherence to Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution, which mandates leaders to promote Euro-Atlantic integration. Read more here

Today, December 26, Azerbaijan observes a Day of Mourning in memory of the victims of yesterday morning’s plane crash in the Kazakh city of Aktau. The crash occurred during the landing of an Embraer 190 aircraft operated by AZAL, resulting in the deaths of 38 people. There were 67 people onboard at the time of the accident, including 5 crew members. Thanks to the professionalism of the pilots, 29 passengers survived. Read more here

“The OSCE Minsk Group has lost its relevance,” stated Maria Zakharova, the official representative of Russia’s Foreign Ministry. She added that all Minsk Group structures “should be dissolved, with the optimal path being a corresponding proposal from Yerevan and Baku.” A few days earlier, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a similar suggestion.

In Armenia, heated discussions continue over the scandal involving Russia’s failure to deliver weapons already paid for by the country. Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan called the issue confidential and suggested seeking details from the Ministry of Defense.

“There is nothing to debate because the subject of the discussion—the millennia-old Armenian Artsakh—no longer exists. What remains are desperate attempts to divert attention from the bitter reality,” said Armenia’s first President, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, in response to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s proposal for a live debate on the details of the Nagorno-Karabakh negotiation process since 1994. Ter-Petrosyan instead proposed publishing all documents presented by the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (responsible for resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict) and Armenia’s official responses. “Failure to do so will be yet another proof of a cowardly avoidance of historical responsibility,” he added. Read more here

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with families of ethnic Armenians who died in the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) and expressed gratitude to the mothers and wives of the fallen for their resilience (pictured below).

Nikol Pashinyan announced on social media that he tested positive for COVID-19 and, as a result, declined to attend today’s informal CIS summit in St. Petersburg. Kremlin spokesperson Nikolai Peskov stated that they hope Pashinyan will participate in the summit via video link.

Nikol Pashinyan extended condolences to Azerbaijan following the crash of an AZAL airline plane en route from Baku to Grozny, which resulted in the deaths of at least 38 people. Read more here

According to the Road Traffic Organization Center, 682 Armenian cargo trucks are waiting to cross the Russian-Georgian border at the Upper Lars checkpoint from the Russian side.

In Tbilisi, tens of thousands of pro-European protesters have marched through the city for nearly a month, gathering on Rustaveli Avenue near the Parliament. More marches are planned today, including a joint demonstration by representatives of various ethnic minorities. Protesters are demanding new parliamentary elections to bring about a lawful change in power.

President Salome Zourabichvili met with opposition leaders, NGOs, and activists to discuss strategies for overcoming the crisis. Nika Gvaramia, a leader of the “Coalition for Change,” stated that the meeting outlined steps for political action, with key decisions to be shared by the president.”

Other opposition leaders confirmed discussions on measures to push for new parliamentary elections.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) released a critical report on the October 26 parliamentary elections in Georgia. The report highlighted incidents such as police officers damaging PACE observers’ vehicle and intentionally puncturing its tires on election day.

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) published preliminary findings on widespread torture and abuse against protesters from November 28 to December 20. The investigation, conducted with the UATC consortium, includes photo and video evidence, interviews, and independent forensic examinations of 11 victims. Read more here

The U.S. Helsinki Commission issued a statement supporting Georgian citizens’ “existential struggle for democracy, sovereignty, and a European future,” urging democratic nations to ensure Georgia remains free and independent.

Nino Sukhishvili, head of the National Ballet of Georgia, emphasized the persistence of protests: “These young people know their future lies in Europe, in a democratic country that respects different opinions and values civilized coexistence.”

The Washington Examiner published a detailed article on Georgia, stating that oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili’s reliance on Donald Trump is misguided. The article suggests that the incoming U.S. administration may take measures against Georgia’s current government and its newly appointed president, Kavlashvili, for his anti-American stance. Read more here

In Tkibuli, around 100 miners were fired after publicly criticizing the government’s decision to halt Georgia’s EU integration process. Many plan to sue. One miner, Giorgi Abuladze, who was severely injured in a mine explosion six years ago, reported being threatened by coal company officials, warning of “trouble” for him and his family.

Public Defender Levan Ioseliani and his deputy, Irine Chikhladze, issued a negative report after inspecting a psychiatric center in Terjola, Imereti region. They cited serious infrastructure issues, including no outdoor access for patients and poor hygiene conditions.

Tbilisi’s 2025 budget of 2.45 billion lari ($877 million) was unanimously approved, with 707 million lari ($400 million) allocated for infrastructure projects.

Four individuals were arrested in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti on fraud charges. Authorities say 61 victims were scammed out of half a million lari ($180,000) through fake calls from people posing as Interior Ministry officials, falsely claiming family members were involved in accidents.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will not attend the informal CIS summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, due to a positive COVID test. Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that no bilateral meeting with Putin had been planned.

Washington has responded to accusations from Azerbaijan’s president claiming the “West is arming Armenia.” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told “Azatutyun” (Armenian Service of RFE/RL) that the U.S. supports the security of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, focusing on strengthening military professionalism and border security with Iran. The U.S. ensures its assistance is not used offensively and does not hinder ongoing peace negotiations.

After Armenia’s former presidents declined Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s offer for a debate on Karabakh negotiations since 1994, former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian proposed joining the discussion. Oskanian, who was part of the negotiation process from 1992 and served as minister from 1998 to 2008, challenged Pashinyan’s claims, insisting on revising Karabakh policies. Pashinyan had previously stated that negotiations since 1994 focused solely on returning Karabakh to Azerbaijan. Read more here

Authorities have seized a former defense minister Vigen Sargsyan’s apartment and four other properties. A request has also been sent to the U.S. to seize his $2.05 million mansion in Massachusetts. Sargsyan, who served as minister from 2016 to 2018, is accused of embezzling funds during military housing allocations and laundering $100 million. He is currently wanted by law enforcement.

The director and deputy director of the “Surmalu” thermal plant have been found guilty of the August 2022 explosion that killed 18 people. Investigators concluded that they failed to maintain proper fire safety systems. The case has been sent to the prosecutor’s office, and both individuals are prohibited from leaving the country.

The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport named Arthur Aleksanyan, Artur Davtyan, and Varazdat Lalayan as the top athletes of the year.

In Yerevan, garbage disposal fees will now be calculated based on apartment size. Previously, fees were based on the number of residents, without accounting for apartment area.

? Photo JAMnews

An informal meeting of CIS leaders is taking place today in St. Petersburg, with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expected to attend.

Starting in 2025, state social assistance in Azerbaijan will be provided to citizens earning less than 285 manats (approximately $168), an increase from the previous threshold of 270 manats (approximately $159).

The Carpet Museum in Baku has opened an exhibition titled “The Splendor of Azerbaijani Carpets: Treasures of the Safavid Era.” The display features 14 carpets and examples of artistic embroidery from the 17th–18th centuries, as well as a 16th-century miniature from the poem “Shahnameh” belonging to Azerbaijani collector Amir Oskouei, who resides in the United States.

President Salome Zourabichvili has proposed a compromise dialogue to Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party and a prominent oligarch, suggesting an agreement on the date for new parliamentary elections. Zourabichvili emphasized the need for discussions before December 29, when Georgian Dream plans to inaugurate its chosen new president, Mikheil Kavelashvili. She also proposed forming a council to oversee preparations for the elections.

The president’s administration reported that before making this proposal, Zourabichvili consulted with European leaders, including EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, the prime minister of Sweden, and the presidents of the Czech Republic, Poland, and Latvia.

Polish President Andrzej Duda: “I spoke with President Salome Zourabichvili and assured her of my unwavering support for her leadership and the European aspirations of the Georgian people. They have the fundamental right to move toward a united Europe. New elections in line with OSCE recommendations are the way out of the current crisis.”

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs: “I spoke with President Salome Zourabichvili. I support her call for dialogue between political forces to ensure Georgia’s European path and resolve the crisis. Threats against the president are unacceptable.”

Germany has suspended projects in Georgia worth €237 million. “We regret Georgia’s departure from the EU path and the harsh suppression of protests. We have halted funding for green projects, energy systems, and Batumi’s water supply infrastructure. Support for civil society and the rule of law will continue,” wrote German Ambassador to Georgia Peter Fischer on X.

The International Republican Institute (IRI) has released its final report on Georgia’s October 26 parliamentary elections. The report states that the elections were “fundamentally flawed […] with widespread and systematic political intimidation and coercion.”

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pia Kauma shared OSCE’s critical final report on Georgia’s October 26 parliamentary elections, urging full implementation of the recommendations outlined in the report. Here’s more about the ODIHR/OSCE report.

Chair of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, Republican Congressman Michael McCaul: “Comprehensive and meaningful sanctions against senior Georgian officials, including corrupt government puppeteer Bidzina Ivanishvili, are long overdue. The Biden-Harris administration must act immediately to hold them accountable for oppressing the Georgian people.”

US Senator Jim Risch, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee: “The Georgian government’s continued attacks on activists, journalists, opposition leaders, and peaceful protesters must stop. Perpetrators of violence must be held accountable.”

Journalist and civil activist Eliso Janashia was attacked and beaten by a group of women in Poti. Janashia believes the attack is connected to her participation in pro-European protests and her civic stance. Police were called to the scene.

People at pro-European protests in Georgia. Photo by David Pipia/JAMnews.

“The current US administration seeks to damage relations with Azerbaijan by any means. The intolerance towards media freedom from a country that claims to champion freedom of speech is astonishing,” stated the Azerbaijani MFA. This was Baku’s response to a US Embassy post on X alleging that “over 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan are jailed on unfounded charges.”

Azerbaijan’s minimum wage will rise to 400 manats (around $235) starting January 1, 2025—a 16% increase.

Ambulances in Baku are now allowed to use bus lanes, but TƏBİB Executive Director Vugar Gurbanov notes that heavy traffic remains a major obstacle for ambulances trying to access these lanes.

Starting January 2025, Azerbaijani citizens’ temporary stay in Russia will be limited to a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. Previously, the limit was 90 days within a six-month period.

Photo: Graffiti in Icherisheher (Old City) in Baku.

Armenia is abuzz over Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statement that “since 1994, negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh have only been about its return to Azerbaijan. Discussions about other outcomes were stirred in Armenia solely for domestic political purposes.” Renowned journalist Tatul Hakobyan called this “manipulation and primitive misinformation.” Pashinyan proposed public debates with former presidents to clarify who is responsible for past events. He warned that if they refuse, he will “see it through,” leaving judgment to the public.

All three former presidents declined the debates. Former President Serzh Sargsyan’s office stated, “It is pointless to debate the obvious.”

Yerevan’s mayor faces backlash over purchasing a $20,000 business-class ticket for a trip to Los Angeles using municipal funds. Following heavy criticism, Tigran Avinyan pledged to reimburse the cost.

Armenia recognizes Kosovo passports and cooperates with its administration while not recognizing its independence, said MFA spokesperson Ani Badalyan. The move aims to ensure free movement for individuals.

Daily betting in Armenia amounts to 17 billion drams (approximately $43 million), wrote Mesrop Arakelyan, co-founder of the “Country for Life” party. He argued that “the only solution to combat this scourge is to ban bookmakers in Armenia.”

Armenian boxers earned 45 medals this year—8 gold, 15 silver, and 22 bronze—from the World and European Championships, Eurasian Cup, and the 8th Asian Games, the Boxing Federation announced.

Over the weekend, Tbilisi witnessed massive daily marches, with thousands rallying based on professional, regional, or shared interests. Groups from almost every region joined, converging at Rustaveli Avenue near Parliament, where protests demanding new parliamentary elections and a legal change of power have been ongoing for 25 days.

The Visioner organization reported at least 200,000 participants each evening on December 21 and 22 in central Tbilisi.

On Sunday, President Salome Zourabichvili addressed a massive pro-European rally on Rustaveli Avenue, marking the 25th day of protests. She invited Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party and the country’s de facto ruler, to discuss new parliamentary elections at the presidential administration, urging action before Georgian Dream’s planned inauguration of their new president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, on December 29.

During a Sunday briefing, Zourabichvili reaffirmed her allegiance to the constitution and the Georgian Armed Forces, declaring, “I am and will remain the commander-in-chief. I am the president of all, and I will stay true to my role.”

A highlight of December 21 was the famous warrior dance Khorumi, performed by thousands of protesters on Rustaveli Avenue (see video below). Local media and social networks hailed it as a “powerful moment of national unity.”

Georgian Dream leaders have threatened Zourabichvili with imprisonment if she refuses to leave office by December 29. Georgian Dream-appointed PM Irakli Kobakhidze claimed, “Neither Zourabichvili nor the radical opposition can present a viable plan. Some say much could happen by December 29, but I assure you, nothing significant will occur. Deep state will not prevail in Georgia.”

PACE President Theodoros Russopoulos has called on Irakli Kobakhidze to withdraw his statement regarding the potential arrest of Salome Zourabichvili and to respect the principles of the Council of Europe, of which Georgia is a member. “This threat is unacceptable. It contradicts the principles of democracy and the rule of law,” Russopoulos stated.

An OSCE observer mission report on the October 26 parliamentary elections documented serious violations, including voter intimidation and lack of ballot secrecy. The report refrained from addressing the elections’ legitimacy, leaving conclusions to Georgian citizens. Read more here

Georgian Dream claimed the OSCE report validated the elections’ legitimacy, while the opposition, NGOs, and experts argued the findings justify new, fair elections. Read more here

Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Joe Wilson, stated: “The de facto government of the Georgian Dream is illegitimate. The only legitimate authority in Georgia is President Salome Zourabichvili. I reaffirm this conclusion after reviewing the OSCE’s final report on the October 26 parliamentary elections. Any new government must be formed through free and fair elections,” wrote Joe Wilson.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos remarked, “The final OSCE report confirms serious flaws in Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections. Authorities must urgently address the priority recommendations to regain trust, recognition, and ensure a European future, one that has been driving hundreds of thousands of Georgians to the streets.”

Mamuka Khazaradze, a leader of the opposition coalition Strong Georgia, has called on the military to “reject support for the illegitimate inauguration of an illegitimate president planned for December 29 by an illegitimate government. Remain loyal to the only legitimate commander-in-chief in Georgia – President Salome Zourabichvili.” “This is not a call for rebellion or revolution; it is a call to serve the nation and refrain from participating in a process that could push our country into chaos. Much depends on the military,” Khazaradze stated.

 “Former prime minister of the self-proclaimed NKR, Ruben Vardanyan, currently under arrest in Azerbaijan, sent countless letters over the past six months, but none reached their recipients,” said his son, David Vardanyan, in an interview with RTV. Read here about what awaits ex-officials of the former unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in Baku prisons

 “Whether it existed or not, there was a paradise on earth, and it was called Artsakh”—this is how Emily Mkrtchyan’s documentary begins, dedicated to Karabakh women of Armenian ethnicity. The film has received critical acclaim worldwide and was featured at the DOC NYC documentary film festival in New York. In Yerevan, it was screened at the KIN International Women’s Film Festival in Armenia.

Armenian athlete Anna Badalyan won 2 gold medals and 1 silver at the international rhythmic gymnastics tournament Christmas Cup in Zagreb.

 In Yerevan, a bus struck two teenagers riding a scooter. There is no information yet about the condition of the 16-year-olds. A criminal case has been opened. The driver passed a test and was found to be sober.

 A Santa Claus parade was held in Yerevan. Skaters in red costumes performed on the ice rink (pictured).

This morning, 51 families (208 people) of internally displaced persons relocated permanently to Shusha (Karabakh). As of now, 369 families (1,388 people) have been resettled in Shusha.

 An explosion occurred in an apartment in a multi-story building in Khirdalan, a suburb of Baku. Four people were injured, and the blast damaged two apartments and four cars. The cause is under investigation.

 For the first time in 50 years, the Azerbaijani Badminton Championship was held in Khankendi (Karabakh).

Video: Baku is ready to welcome the New Year.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 16-20 December, 2024