Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 31 December 2024 - 10 January, 2025

● No members of the government appointed by the ruling “Georgian Dream” party have been invited to attend the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. The party-appointed president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, was also not invited, according to their respective press offices. Meanwhile, Georgia’s 5th president, Salome Zourabichvili, confirmed her participation after receiving an invitation. She announced at a briefing that she will hold high-level meetings in Washington. Read more here

● The U.S. Congress has sent a letter to the newly appointed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, listing individuals in Georgia’s political and business spheres linked to “Georgian Dream.” The signatories demand sanctions against these individuals and their families. “These individuals support the consolidation of ‘Georgian Dream’s’ authoritarian rule, election rigging, and Georgia’s alignment with the ‘axis of evil’—China, Russia, and Iran. This network of oligarch Ivanishvili’s enablers includes elites, corrupt financiers, propagandists, and those who manage the repressive state apparatus,” the letter reads. This was reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing an exclusive source.

● European Parliament member Richard Kohl stated that he and a group of MEPs had a detailed conversation with Salome Zourabichvili. “She described the alarming situation in Georgia, where the regime is consolidating power and leaning towards authoritarianism. Legislative measures echo Kremlin-like tactics, including a law increasing control over public servants to ensure loyalty and penalize the families of protesters. This dangerous path leads to repressive rule and is challenging to reverse once in place. I urged the president and parliamentarians to actively coordinate efforts to reverse this trajectory,” Kohl wrote on X.

● During a discussion organized by the Hudson Institute, U.S. Republican Congressman Joe Wilson said: “I appreciate the sanctions imposed on Ivanishvili. This bipartisan effort in the U.S. is for the benefit of the Georgian people. I believe sanctions will be further tightened under the Trump administration. I have introduced the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act and a bill refusing recognition of the ‘Georgian Nightmare’ (a play on the ‘Georgian Dream’ name). We will push for additional sanctions against Ivanishvili and senior officials of ‘Georgian Dream.'”

● “Initially, the authorities pursued a path of Euro-Atlantic integration, and it was this party [‘Georgian Dream’] that incorporated a constitutional article obligating all state institutions to strive for Georgia’s European integration. Suddenly, this party turned into a Georgian nightmare, essentially becoming a ‘Russian Dream,’ step by step distancing the country from its Western partners,” Georgia’s 5th president, Salome Zourabichvili, stated during the discussion.

● Actors and directors supporting pro-European protests have criticized Redix Group founder and CEO Lasha Papashvili, who said during a BMG broadcast that Bidzina Ivanishvili “has already entered history by saving the country from war.” Prominent cultural figures, including winners of the “Durudji” theater prize established by Papashvili, declared that “this statement justifies the oppressive regime and strips the award of its dignity.” Several laureates have announced they are returning their awards, including the monetary prizes, which they are donating to support colleagues on strike.

● Three opposition coalitions and the “Gakharia for Georgia” party, which crossed the electoral threshold in the October 26 parliamentary elections, have called on the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) not to confirm the credentials of the Georgian delegation to the Assembly. They argue that “the systemic nature of democratic regression in Georgia contradicts the fundamental principles of the Council of Europe and Georgia’s commitments.” The opposition also stated that “the ‘parliament’ formed through election fraud and the ‘president’ elected by it lack legitimacy. The delegation ‘Georgian Dream’ intends to present in the Assembly consists solely of representatives of the self-proclaimed regime.” Read more here

● “I am looking forward to my farewell visit to Georgia next week. I wish to support all dedicated Europeans and freedom fighters and, as a German politician, say goodbye to my friends. Although my parliamentary mandate will soon end, I remain committed to the idea of a free Georgia at the very heart of the European Union,” wrote Michael Roth, Chairman of the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee, on X.

● The “Georgian Dream” party plans to establish a temporary investigative commission during the first week of the parliamentary spring session to “analyze the actions of authorities from 2003–2012” (the period of Mikheil Saakashvili’s presidency). Party leader Mamuka Mdinaradze announced that the commission will work for six months and present its report for discussion in September. Following this, the prosecutor’s office “will take further steps to prosecute those responsible.” Read more here

● Three Georgian citizens detained by Russian military forces in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone have been released, the State Security Service reported. “Ivane Lutidze, Niko Mamastarashvili, and Zurab Lobzhanidze, who were illegally detained in the occupied territories, were freed through the active use of the ‘hotline mechanism’ managed by the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia,” the agency said.

Photo: Youth participating in pro-European protests in Georgia, photo by David Pipia/JAMnews

● “If Armenia is genuinely interested in building peace with its neighbors, why do you adamantly refuse to renounce claims to territories you call ‘Western Armenia’ (in Turkey) and the ‘Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’ (in Azerbaijan), which are enshrined in your Constitution and national legislation? This cannot be seen as proof of Armenia’s ‘good intentions,'” wrote Ayhan Hajizadeh, the official representative of Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, on social media.

● The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has expressed condolences over the death of renowned chess coach Gassim Gasimov, father of the late grandmaster Vugar Gasimov. Gassim Gasimov, who was injured in a house explosion in the Novkhany settlement of Absheron District on December 3, 2024, passed away on January 8 while undergoing treatment in the hospital.

? Photo: Caravanserai in Baku’s Old City

● The Armenian government has approved a draft law to initiate the country’s accession process to the European Union, forwarding it to parliament. If approved, the proposal will be put to a referendum, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced during a cabinet meeting.

● “Russia considers the discussion of the EU accession draft law in Armenia as a step toward leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (led by Russia),” said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk. “Joining the EU is comparable to buying a ticket for the ‘Titanic,’ but this is Yerevan’s sovereign choice, and Russia will shape its relations with Armenia accordingly,” Overchuk stated.

● “It is simply impossible to be members of both the EU and the EEU, and the EEU brings tangible benefits to Yerevan,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said during a briefing.

● Nikol Pashinyan has published 12 proposals for achieving peace with Azerbaijan. These include dissolving the OSCE Minsk Group, renouncing mutual claims in international courts, establishing mechanisms for mutual arms control, abandoning warlike rhetoric, and implementing the “Crossroads of Peace” project with the signing of a peace treaty.

● There are no Armenian citizens among the fatalities caused by the California wildfires, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan told reporters.

● Armenia will send its updated proposals to Russia in January regarding the broadcast of Russian television channels on the country’s public multiplex. Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan noted that the current agreement has shortcomings and that Armenia has outlined its fair expectations.

● The documentary film “My Armenian Ghosts” by filmmaker Tamara Stepanyan has been included in the “Forum” program of the Berlin Film Festival — only the second time in the festival’s history.

Photo: On Sergey Parajanov’s birthday, flowers and pomegranates adorn his gravesite at the Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan.

● The 42nd day of massive pro-European protests in Georgia took place, with demands for new parliamentary elections and a lawful change of power. In Tbilisi, thousands gathered once again in front of the parliament. Many participated in the “Freedom for Regime Prisoners” campaign, writing letters to over 30 detained protest participants facing lengthy prison sentences. Additionally, an impromptu “chess tournament” with hundreds of participants was held outside the parliament (see video below). This was a response to statements by the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, which had suggested that protesters were people “with low IQs.” Late in the evening, hundreds of protesters joined those in front of the parliament after spending the day protesting outside the Public Broadcaster’s building, which has been accused of bias and pro-government reporting.

● The U.S. Congress has introduced the “Georgian Nightmare Non-Recognition Act,” a play on the name of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party. The bill, authored by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson and Democrat Steve Cohen, prohibits recognizing the Georgian Dream government, normalizing relations with it, or allocating federal funds to it. The ban extends to the party’s founder, oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, his associates, and the Georgian Dream government as a whole. The bill recognizes the 5th president, Salome Zourabichvili, as Georgia’s only legitimate leader.

● Joe Wilson, chair of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, along with 42 other politicians, addressed all “free and democratic governments of the world” in a joint letter. They urged rejection of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s unlawful regime, refraining from meeting with its government, and demanding free and fair elections in Georgia. The letter also proposed international sanctions against high-ranking Georgian Dream officials.

● Democratic Congressman Mark Wiss stated: “I am proud to co-sponsor the MEGOBARI Act and to stand with the Georgian people in their fight for a future free from Russian interference. The citizens of Georgia continue to protest with courage and determination, and the U.S. supports them.” Wiss is one of the 43 signatories of the letter.

● Joe Wilson declared, “America does not recognize the Ivanishvili regime. This act upholds the great American tradition of refusing to recognize tyrannical regimes. Donald Trump and I will work to ensure new free and fair parliamentary elections in Georgia.”

● U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that during his meeting with the French Foreign Minister, Georgia was among the topics discussed. At a joint briefing, he reiterated that sanctions against Georgian Dream officials and the suspension of aid to its government are “a result of its deviation from democratic principles, including during parliamentary elections, which raised numerous concerns.”

● The Georgian Dream party issued a statement claiming that the government and parliament it established are being targeted by an international conspiracy led by certain structures—a “global war party” and the “deep state.” The party alleged that “politicians making anti-Georgian statements act under the direction of these informal but highly influential structures” and are attempting to “Ukrainize Georgia and drag it into war.” The statement claimed these mysterious forces now control nearly all Western governments, including the European Parliament and the European Union. Read more here

● Prosecutors have charged two individuals in connection with the murder of a foreign national in the Svaneti region. Rezo Pakeliani (born 1986) and Bejan Chkadu (born 1992) are accused of robbery, intentional murder, illegal deprivation of liberty, and the unlawful acquisition, possession, and carrying of firearms. The charges stem from their attack on a foreign couple in Svaneti, during which one victim was killed and mobile phones were stolen.

Video by David Pipia/JAMnews: Chess tournament during the massive protest in front of the parliament in Tbilisi.

Nearby, a chess tournament has spontaneously sprung up 🙂 pic.twitter.com/C5WSf0fKE6

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) January 8, 2025

● “Baku is attempting to legitimize escalation in the region,” stated Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in response to President Aliyev’s claim that “Armenia is a fascist state and a geographical obstacle between Azerbaijan and Turkey.” Pashinyan added, “These statements are designed to provoke a reaction from Yerevan, which would allow Baku to become even more aggressive. They are combined with the dissemination of false information about ceasefire violations by the Armenian army, creating a ‘justification’ for new escalations in the region.” The prime minister shared this with the “Armenpress” agency. Read more here.

● “There are no concrete agreements between Yerevan and Baku regarding enclaves,” Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan told local journalists. He noted that the commissions on border delimitation and demarcation need time to address this issue, which will be discussed at a later stage in the negotiations.

● The Armenian Foreign Minister suggested that if there were an open border and trust between Armenia and Turkey, Armenian border guards could manage the border themselves, replacing Russian forces. Regarding discussions about the possible withdrawal of the 102nd Russian military base stationed in Gyumri, Mirzoyan stated that “this issue is not currently on the agenda.”

● Nikol Pashinyan noted that in past years, the National Security Service successfully uncovered numerous, even seemingly unbelievable, spy networks. Speaking at a celebration for security service personnel, the prime minister announced the creation of a special unit focused on ensuring the operation of international communications and infrastructure passing through Armenia.

● Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Akbar Ahmadian, arrived in Yerevan.

● A wildfire in Los Angeles has spread to the suburbs, home to a large Armenian community. The Armenian school “Sahak-Mesrop” in Pasadena, a private institution founded in 1980 that includes a kindergarten and a secondary school, was destroyed in the fire (see video below).

● The issue of the canceled concert by Russian performer Snoop Dogg has been closed, and authorities are working to recover funds for the state budget. Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan stated that the ministry has formally requested the organizing company to return the full amount for the planned concert to the treasury, as stipulated in the contract.

● The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan’s statements about the “Western Azerbaijan community” and the deportation of Azerbaijanis from present-day Armenia “a falsification of history.” The ministry stated, “The mass resettlement of Armenians to the South Caucasus over the past 200 years and the displacement of Azerbaijanis from their historical lands is a historical fact.”

● “The activities of the EU mission in Armenia and the arming of this country with financial assistance from the European Peace Facility do not serve peace but instead fuel revanchist sentiments against Azerbaijan,” stated Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov during a meeting with the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Magdalena Grono.

● Azerbaijani airline AZAL has suspended all flights on the Baku-Kazan-Baku route indefinitely due to periodic airspace closures over Kazan caused by drone attacks.

● Azerbaijan has sent a diplomatic note to Eritrea regarding the detention of three ships and their crews. In early November 2024, three vessels flying the Azerbaijani flag en route from the Suez Canal to Abu Dhabi entered Eritrean territorial waters due to worsening weather conditions. Eritrea deemed the entry unlawful and detained the ships. The 18 crew members are Azerbaijani citizens.

● The 41st day of pro-European protests in Georgia has concluded. The count began on November 28, when the government announced it was halting negotiations on the country’s EU accession. Protesters highlighted the coincidence of the 41st day with the ruling “Georgian Dream” party’s election number by hosting a special exhibition outside Parliament. Forty-one posters showcased the negative impacts and consequences of the party’s governance since 2012.

● The Vaso Abashidze Theatre has canceled all performances featuring popular actor Andro Chichinadze, who has been under arrest since being detained during pro-European protests nearly a month ago. His trial, initially set for January 16, was recently postponed to March 12. The theatre announced it would refund tickets but expressed hope to perform with Andro in the future. A banner reading “Freedom for victims of the system!” hangs on the theatre’s facade (pictured below). Chichinadze faces up to nine years in prison on charges of organizing group violence and inciting violent actions.

● Georgian psychologists have released a joint petition demanding the release of politically motivated detainees and the holding of new, free, and fair parliamentary elections. The petition has already garnered over 150 signatures.

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of “Georgian Dream” stated that OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pia Kauma postponed her visit to Georgia due to pressure from “liberal fascism.” “I want to thank her for her determination and willingness to help Georgia. She was ready to visit, but [was prevented], which is astonishing. This is not a Georgian phenomenon; it is coordinated internationally. Liberal fascism is something we all must fight, and we will overcome this ideology in our country,” said Kobakhidze.

● Joe Wilson, U.S. congressman and chair of the Helsinki Commission, expressed hope for collaboration between French President Macron and Donald Trump on Georgian issues. He thanked Macron for supporting the Georgian people’s and former President Salome Zourabichvili’s call for new parliamentary elections.

● “President Macron’s statement about Russian interference in Georgia’s elections and ballot stuffing is based on a false narrative. When the President of France spreads rumors, it reflects the dishonesty of those preparing such statements for him. They must respect the will of the Georgian people. We did not fight for independence from Soviet Russia to allow interference from foreign politicians of various ranks,” said Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of parliament from “Georgian Dream.”

● “The only wish for Kobakhidze should be a safe flight to Moscow when his government is dissolved and replaced with one representing the Georgian people,” stated retired U.S. Army Colonel Bob Hamilton, director of Eurasian programs at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He argued that any official interaction with the current Georgian government legitimizes it and called for ending military and other assistance to the Georgian authorities. Read more here

● Fifth President Salome Zourabichvili has been named a recipient of the 2025 Kissinger Prize, as announced by the McCain Institute at Arizona State University.

● “Our country borders a fascist state, and the threat of fascism has not disappeared. Therefore, fascism must be eradicated—either by Armenia’s leadership or by us. We have no other choice,” said Ilham Aliyev in an interview with Azerbaijani TV channels. Read more about the Azerbaijani president’s interview today on JAMnews.

● A Customs Committee inspector has been arrested for smuggling gold bars, the Prosecutor General’s Office reported. “Afsar Mirzaliev, abusing his official position, conspired with Safar Safarov to smuggle 41 gold bars into the country, valued at 461,000 manats,” the statement said.

● Starting July 1, 50% of VAT paid on theater and cinema services will be refunded to the respective institutions and organizations if payments are made cashlessly.

● In the coming days, experts will arrive in Astana with the decoded flight recorder data from the Azerbaijani airline AZAL’s plane that crashed near Aktau. Preliminary reports suggest the crash occurred after the aircraft was struck by Russian air defenses over Chechnya.

● Rumors are circulating on social media about a 10% fare increase for the Baku Metro. Metro officials told journalists they have no authority to regulate fares and have not raised the issue with relevant bodies. Currently, a single metro ride in Baku costs 0.5 manats (about $0.30).

Photo: Brazil’s Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents has released images of the “black boxes” from the AZAL plane that crashed near Aktau.

● For the first time, Armenia’s Ministry of Justice Penitentiary Service will be headed by a woman. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the appointment of Tsovinar Tadevosyan on social media, sharing a video of their meeting.

● Armenia ranked 63rd in the Global Passport Power Rank, which evaluates passports from 194 countries. The country’s mobility score is 84, reflecting visa-free travel and visa-on-arrival privileges.

● On the Day of Remembrance of the Departed, Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin II, accompanied by bishops and members of the congregation of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, visited the Yerablur Military Pantheon. He honored the memory of fallen soldiers and prayed for the repose of their souls. A wreath-laying ceremony was followed by a requiem service.

● During the New Year week in Armenia, the number of ICU hospitalizations for complications from acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) and pneumonia rose to 62 cases.

● Tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Georgian Parliament in Tbilisi to celebrate Christmas (pictured below). The festive event coincided with the continuation of the large-scale, ongoing protests in Georgia demanding new parliamentary elections, thereby calling for a lawful change of government. Among the participants was Salome Zourabichvili, the fifth president of Georgia. “Our greatest victory is our unity, which is an extraordinary sign that our society is invincible. Today marks the 40th day of protest, but even 80 days are nothing if we believe that our victory lies ahead. I think everyone here holds this belief. We cannot fail; we will return the country to the path it should follow,” Zourabichvili told reporters.

● French Ambassador to Georgia, Sheraz Gasri, stated: “Emmanuel Macron considers supporting fighters for democracy and freedom a priority of France’s foreign policy. He highly values the courage of demonstrators and Salome Zourabichvili in Georgia, emphasizing that new elections could be a way out of the political crisis. […] We have witnessed aggressive actions by Russia destabilizing Georgia’s electoral process.”

● The trial of actor Andro Chichinadze, arrested during pro-European protests in Tbilisi, has been rescheduled from January 16 to March 12 at the prosecutor’s request. His lawyer, Tornike Mighineishvili, criticized the delay, claiming the prosecution aims to avoid public hearings on cases involving unlawfully detained individuals. “Over a month has passed since Chichinadze’s arrest, yet investigators claim insufficient time to gather evidence,” he said.

● On January 9, Salome Zourabichvili and U.S. Republican Congressman Joe Wilson will participate in an international panel discussion on Georgia. Other participants include former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker, McCain Institute analyst Laura Thornton, Hudson Institute senior fellow Luke Coffey, and Hudson Institute president John Walters. The discussion begins at 10:00 AM local time (7:00 PM Tbilisi time).

● OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pia Kauma postponed her visit to Georgia, stating she would travel “when the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s involvement can be most effective.” “We remain ready to hear all voices and assist in implementing OSCE election recommendations,” she announced. Read more on the critical final OSCE report on Georgia’s October 26, 2024, parliamentary elections here.

● U.S. Congressman and Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, Joe Wilson, praised Pia Kauma for canceling her visit to Georgia. “The Ivanishvili regime should not even receive the appearance of legitimacy. Georgia needs free and fair elections,” Wilson wrote on X.

● Levan Mahashvili, head of the European Integration Committee of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, addressed Poland’s Sejm with a letter expressing concern over its decision to revoke an earlier invitation for him to attend the COSAC conference in Warsaw.

● Representatives of Georgia’s cultural sphere held a joint briefing, voicing full support and active participation in the pro-European protests. “Our demands remain unchanged: the appointment of new, free, and fair elections and the release of unjustly detained individuals,” said filmmaker Zviad Tsikolia.

● On January 6, it was announced that a new restaurant of the Russian chain “Cheesefarm” will open in Tbilisi’s Paragraph Hotel. The restaurant belongs to Russian businessman Arkady Novikov and his Novikov Group, a close ally of the Kremlin and known for corruption scandals. Novikov was Putin’s confidant in the 2012 and 2018 Russian presidential elections, after which his company Intel secured at least four major state contracts. Novikov also acted as a trusted associate of Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin.

● In the Svaneti region, two individuals were arrested on charges of group robbery, attempted murder under aggravated circumstances, and illegal possession of firearms. On January 5, the suspects allegedly attacked two foreign citizens traveling from Zugdidi to Mestia, kidnapped one, and later killed him. To conceal the crime, they threw the victim’s body into a river and fled. The police discovered the body of the foreign citizen, V.S., born in 1986, in the Nakra River in Mestia District, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

● Georgia’s National Center for Disease Control reported an increase in flu infections, particularly the A(H1p) strain, over the past four weeks. The center noted that this surge is typical for this time of year.

This is how Christmas was celebrated in Tbilisi: tens of thousands stood with candles in front of the parliament, filling Rustaveli Avenue. It marked the 40th day of pro-European protests in Georgia, demanding new parliamentary elections and a change of government. pic.twitter.com/dDNRd0RUtt

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) January 6, 2025

● French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to France’s foreign ambassadors at the Élysée Palace: “Russia abruptly abandoned its alliance with Armenia and supported Azerbaijan’s actions because, for the first time, Armenia has a courageous prime minister who stood up to it (Russia).”

● The preliminary hearing in the trial of the former political and military leadership of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is scheduled for January 17. The case has been assigned to Zeynal Agayev, the chairman of the Baku Military Court, according to Azerbaijani media.

● A traffic accident involving a passenger minibus on the Aparan-Yerevan highway injured 13 people, with several hospitalized (pictured). The minibus veered off the road and ended up in a roadside ditch.

● Armenia’s Ministry of Defense has denied Azerbaijan’s claims that Armenian forces allegedly opened fire on Azerbaijani positions in the southeastern border area at around 2:10 pm on January 6. “The information is not true,” the ministry stated.

● A 3.1 magnitude earthquake, with a 4-point intensity at the epicenter, occurred in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region.

● Brazil’s Aviation Accident Investigation Center has completed decoding the black boxes from the Azerbaijani airline AZAL’s passenger plane that crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The crash reportedly occurred after the plane came under fire from Russian air defenses over Chechnya. Sources told Brazil’s G1 portal that the flight data recorders were successfully retrieved, verified, and handed over to Kazakh authorities.

● Ilham Aliyev: “I do not want to disclose all the materials of the criminal case yet, but I can confidently say that the responsibility for the deaths of Azerbaijani citizens in this disaster lies with representatives of the Russian Federation.” The president made this statement during a meeting with family members of the crew members killed in the crash of the Baku–Grozny flight and with surviving cabin crew members.

“It is clear that the plane was rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare measures. It is also evident that the aircraft was damaged by fire from the ground. But why was the plane directed to Aktau? We still do not have information on whether this decision was made by local air traffic controllers or if the pilots realized that electronic warfare in Russian airspace would not allow them to land and made the choice themselves. Once the black boxes are fully analyzed, this information will become clear. […] We demand justice, accountability, full transparency, and humane behavior,” said Ilham Aliyev.

● “The latest baseless accusations and provocative statements by French President Emmanuel Macron, distorting real facts, are unacceptable,” stated Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizadeh. His remarks were in response to Macron’s statement: “France has faced unacceptable interference from Azerbaijan in many of its overseas territories, especially in New Caledonia. Azerbaijan does not understand that we defend international law and Armenia.” “France, presenting itself as a defender of international law, has never criticized the blatant violations of international norms and principles against Azerbaijan, the ethnic cleansing policies pursued by Armenia, mass killings of Azerbaijanis, and crimes against humanity,” Hajizadeh added.

● Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense reported two incidents yesterday of Armenian forces firing at Azerbaijani army positions in the Lachin region.

● The date has been set for the trial of Armenian citizens who held leadership roles in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and are currently under arrest in Baku. The preliminary court hearing is scheduled for January 17.

● Five young children tragically died in a fire at the private home of the Cholaria family in the village of Saberio in Abkhazia’s Gali district. The children’s mother was hospitalized in Zugdidi, and their father had traveled to visit her, leaving the five girls in the care of their grandmother. Preliminary reports indicate that faulty wiring ignited in a room where gasoline was stored, triggering a powerful explosion. The grandmother ran to neighbors for help, but the fire quickly engulfed the house, leaving no time to save the children. Expressions of condolence were offered by former President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and President Mikheil Kavelashvili, both elected by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

● In the village of Nakra in Mestia municipality, Svaneti, unidentified attackers assaulted a Russian couple, a husband and wife. Local media report that their car was found abandoned, with the woman inside while the man is missing. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation under charges of “robbery” and “illegal acquisition, possession, and carrying of firearms,” but has yet to confirm further details of the incident.

● U.S. Senators from both parties – the Republican Party (of President-elect Trump) and the Democratic Party (of outgoing President Biden) – have introduced the MEGOBARI Act in the newly elected Congress. The bill supports the people of Georgia by enacting sweeping sanctions against Georgian officials for human rights violations, undermining democracy, and aiding Russia’s interference in the country’s affairs. According to The Hill, the MEGOBARI Act is backed by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James E. Risch (Republican) and senior committee member Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat). The proposal also has the support of re-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican). The report indicates that efforts are underway to include the MEGOBARI Act in the government budget package set to be reviewed in March. More details about the MEGOBARI Act can be found here.

● Massive pro-European protests continue in Georgia, demanding new parliamentary elections to ensure a lawful transfer of power. Today marks the 39th day of demonstrations, with thousands gathering outside the parliament each evening. As Georgia prepares to celebrate Christmas on the night of January 7, social media is abuzz with calls for people to gather and mark the holiday together at administrative buildings across cities and villages. In Tbilisi, protestors are organizing a Christmas procession called “Alilo.” Multiple marches will begin simultaneously at 8:00 PM from various churches across the city, all converging on Rustaveli Avenue. Participants will bring gifts, sweets, and toys. At 11:59 PM, a “Universal Christmas Eve” celebration will take place in front of the parliament.

Photo JAMnews: Protesters gathered outside the Parliament in Tbilisi last night lit candles and held a moment of silence in memory of the children who tragically died in a house fire in the Gali district of Abkhazia.

● Election campaigning begins today in Azerbaijan in preparation for the municipal elections scheduled for January 29.

● A preliminary report on the cause of the AZAL plane crash near Aktau will be released by the end of January, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport. The maximum investigation period may extend to 36 months, but experts expect a final conclusion within 12 months, by the end of 2025. Initial reports suggest the aircraft was struck by Russian air defense systems over Chechnya. Azerbaijan expressed outrage over Moscow’s refusal to accept responsibility. President Ilham Aliyev provides further details on the incident.

● Emergency Minister Kamaladdin Heydarov awarded Kazakhstan rescue workers with the “Cooperation” medal for their role in the rescue operation following the AZAL plane crash near Aktau.

●  Ten trucks carrying 200 tons of humanitarian aid from Azerbaijan have reached the Turkish-Syrian border. In addition to food supplies, the aid includes children’s clothing and other essential items for Syria.

? Video: Residents of Baku Zoo received New Year’s greetings.

● Christmas Eve celebrated in Armenia: Holy Liturgies of Chragaluyts were held in all churches. The lighting of lanterns, which parishioners take home, symbolizes the light of the Bethlehem Star that guided the Magi to the infant Jesus.

● “The nation’s highest ideal must be the strengthening of Armenia,” reads the Christmas message from Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia. The message also emphasizes the importance of restoring communities in Syria and Lebanon.

● Grave flower thieves identified at Yerablur Military Cemetery: A criminal case has been opened after social media footage showed flowers stolen from soldiers’ graves (see video below). These bouquets had been laid by families ahead of the New Year.

● 124 firefighters extinguish forest fire near villages in Tavush and Gegharkunik regions, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs rescue service. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

● On the Marneuli-Bolnisi highway in the village of Nakhiduri, a car hit two teenagers, both of whom died. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that the driver, a 21-year-old man, was driving with four passengers when he struck two pedestrians. Following the incident, unrest broke out at the scene as locals stopped the ambulance and assaulted the driver. An eyewitness told 24news.ge that the driver was nearly unconscious and appeared to be under the influence of substances. Another local resident said people stopped the ambulance because they saw the medics attending to the driver instead of the teenagers.

● Republican Senator Joe Wilson, chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and author of the “Megobari Act,” announced that this document, which proposes sanctions against Georgian government representatives, will be one of the first bills considered by the new U.S. Congress after it is sworn in on January 3. In an interview with Radio Liberty, he stated, “America will sanction and remove from our shores all relatives of criminals who attack freedom (Ivanishvili & co.). Corrupt kids & cousins will not enjoy living in our GREAT NATION while their crook fathers & uncles cheat, murder & steal. We must put AMERICA FIRST. ‘Georgian Dream’ has completely mistaken views about Donald Trump. Trump supports leaders like President Zourabichvili, who stood against the war criminal Putin,” Wilson said.

● “The Czech Republic supports the statement of the Nordic and Baltic countries expressing concern over the situation in Georgia,” said Jan Lipavský, the Czech foreign minister. He shared the statement on his page in X.

● Chairman of the Estonian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Marko Mihkelson: “Russia’s takeover of power in Georgia and the ambiguous stance of European governments toward the illegitimate regime sadly indicate that all of Europe will soon have to pay a high price to protect its freedom. Both moral and tangible support for the people of Georgia is needed—through words and actions. Europe must not give up either.”

● Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri, appointed by the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, who is on the Magnitsky list and sanctioned by several Western countries, has appointed Supreme Court Judge Shalva Tadumadze, also sanctioned by Lithuania and Ukraine, as his deputy.

● According to Transparency International Georgia (TI), around 200 cases of violence, harassment, and intimidation of journalists were recorded in 2024.

● Since yesterday, border control at the Agarak checkpoint on the Armenian-Iranian border has been carried out exclusively by Armenian Border Troops. Previously, Russian border guards were also stationed there. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan thanked the Russian border guards for their years of service and wished success to the Armenian forces.

● Electricity tariffs will remain unchanged in the new year. It has been announced that there will be no price changes until February 1, 2026.

● The water level in Lake Sevan rose by 22 cm in 2024, the highest increase in the past eight years.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his wife launched a “Family Podcast” on YouTube. The first episode aired yesterday, in which they shared their desire to communicate directly with people and convey their thoughts without media distortion or inaccuracies. They described it as a conversation between a small family and a larger one—the people, of whom they are a part, according to Nikol Pashinyan and Anna Hakobyan.

● Today marks the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis Worldwide. On December 31, 1989, crowds in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan destroyed the Soviet-Iranian border. Thousands of Azerbaijanis crossed the Araz River, inspired by the first opportunity in decades to reunite with their compatriots in Iran. On the same day, the first-ever World Congress of Azerbaijanis opened in Istanbul. These two events led to December 31 being declared the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis Worldwide.

● Three individuals injured in the crash of the Azerbaijani plane in Aktau and treated in Kazakhstan have been transported to Baku. Minister of Health Teymur Musaev stated that the patients are in the intensive care unit and in “moderate condition.” Nine others have already been discharged from the hospital. Overall, 38 people died, and 29 were injured in the December 25 crash. Read more here

● Kazakhstan has sent the black boxes from the Aktau plane crash to Brazil. The flight recorders will be analyzed at Brazil’s Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA).

● It has been revealed that the air traffic controller handling the plane during the tragedy was Ali Idrisov, a former player for the football club “Terek” (now “Akhmat”). He was questioned by Russian investigators. Idrisov claimed he was unaware of air defense operations at the time of the landing and learned about the “Cover” protocol (activated during air attacks) five minutes after the incident.

● On December 29, the inauguration of Mikhail Kavelashvili, the president appointed by the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, took place in the parliament building. His legitimacy is not recognized by the opposition, civil society, or non-governmental organizations active in Georgia. Western partners of Georgia have also refrained from congratulating him on his victory. At the same time, a large rally in support of President Salome Zourabichvili was held outside the presidential administration building. Zourabichvili’s term officially ended on December 29, but she announced that she will remain president until new parliamentary elections are held. She is backed in this stance by the opposition and hundreds of thousands of participants in ongoing protests demanding elections and a lawful transfer of power. Some Western partners of Georgia are also calling on the authorities to hold new parliamentary elections. Read more here

● Today, a package of amendments restricting human rights came into force. The parliament, composed entirely of “Georgian Dream” deputies, passed the laws in mid-December, and they were signed yesterday by Kavelashvili, the party-appointed president. The changes include a ban on the use of fireworks, lasers, and masks during public gatherings. Penalties have been significantly increased, new criminal offenses have been introduced, and additional grounds for arrest have been established. Employment processes in state institutions have also been simplified, including the ability to dismiss and hire employees more easily. One notable change is that even if a court rules in favor of an individual, the state is no longer obligated to reinstate them in their job. Read more here

● After the inauguration of the Georgian Dream-backed president, he, along with party members, the appointed prime minister, ministers, and the speaker of parliament, participated in a conference of Georgian ambassadors held at the Bodbe Hotel in Sighnaghi. The event focused on discussing Georgia’s foreign policy priorities.

● Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp called on the Georgian authorities to “consider holding new parliamentary elections based on OSCE recommendations.” He also expressed admiration for “Salome Zourabichvili’s leadership and her steadfast commitment to Georgia’s European path” and for “the citizens of Georgia, who have been peacefully defending their democratic and European future in the streets for over a month, despite violence and intimidation.”

● Senator Joe Wilson, Republican and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission: “Peaceful Protests are most effective in the tradition of MLK & Vaslav Havel. War criminal Putin wants violence to further oppression! The civilized world supports Georgian Patriot Freedom Fighters who with peaceful resistance will prevail as in Bucharest with Ceaușescu fleeing!”

● The Nordic and Baltic countries (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden) issued a joint statement expressing concern over the situation in Georgia. The official text was shared on X by Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže. The statement emphasizes that these countries are long-time supporters of Georgia’s European aspirations and stress the urgent need to assist Georgia in resolving its political crisis. The Nordic and Baltic nations urged the Georgian authorities to consider holding new elections based on OSCE recommendations.

● Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: “The people and authorities of Georgia understand everything and will not become pawns in the hands of the West. The events in Georgia are a result of double standards […] They demand a reversal of election results certified as free even by a tarnished organization like the OSCE ODIHR. Why should the results be overturned? Simply because the people’s choice did not please the puppet masters in Washington and Brussels. The U.S. and the EU are trying to force Tbilisi into a false dilemma: ‘with us or against us.'”

On Saturday, December 28, a large-scale “Living Chain of Unity” demonstration took place in Tbilisi and nine other cities. Hundreds of thousands of people joined hands, forming a chain across the entire city. In Tbilisi, the chain connected eight bridges. Video by Levan Tsikarishvili, photos by David Pipia.

Footage by Levan Tsikarishvili captured today’s “Chain of Unity” in #TbilisiProtests from above. Hundreds of thousands of people joined hands, forming a line that connected eight bridges across the entire city. https://t.co/22qOoNSwbm pic.twitter.com/9BZl4PgDqf

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) December 28, 2024

● “Of course, the Azerbaijani plane was shot down accidentally. Naturally, there can be no question of any deliberate terrorist act. Therefore, acknowledging the mistake, promptly apologizing to Azerbaijan, a friendly country, and communicating this to the public – all these were measures and steps that should have been taken. Unfortunately, for the first three days, we heard nothing from Russia except for nonsensical versions,” said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in an interview with AzTV.

● The funeral of the captain of the AZAL airline plane, which crashed in Aktau, the second pilot, and the flight attendant, who died in the tragedy, took place at the II Honorary Alley in Baku (pictured). They were posthumously awarded the title of National Heroes of Azerbaijan.

● The temporary stay period in Azerbaijan without a visa for citizens of the Russian Federation and stateless persons permanently residing in Russia will not exceed 90 days within one calendar year. This decision was made by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan. The ruling will come into effect on January 1, 2025. Previously, the stay period for Russians in Azerbaijan was 180 days per year. This is a response to the decision of Russian authorities, who similarly restricted the stay period for citizens of Azerbaijan and some other post-Soviet countries.

● Excluded from the ruling “Civil Contract” party amid scandals, Ovik Agazaryan is founding a new political party. The former MP announced on social media that it will be called the “United National Socialist Party.”

● Several flights to Yerevan had to land in airports in other countries due to fog and low visibility.

● A horrific chain car accident occurred on Sunday morning in the Ararat region: more than 100 cars collided on a 2-3 km stretch of the Masis-Marmarashen road, according to a crime news website. Additionally, two people were hit, one of whom died on the spot. The cause of the accident is cited as fog and icy roads.

The Charents Arch in the village of Vokchaberd is located between the pagan temple of Garni and the Christian monastery complex of Geghard. Photo by Artur Adilkhanian.

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