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

Day 23 of protests in Georgia, with demonstrators demanding new parliamentary elections to enable a legitimate change in leadership and return the country to the path of European integration. Tens of thousands march across Tbilisi during the day and gather each evening outside parliament with Georgian and EU flags and banners. Protests and demonstrations are also taking place in other cities across Georgia.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas: “We redirected funds meant for the Georgian government to civil society to support the Georgian people. We’ve also canceled visa-free travel for diplomatic and service passports from Georgia and are discussing sanctions against those responsible for violence against protesters.”

After the EU leaders’ meeting, the European Council issued a statement sharply criticizing Georgia’s government, stating its actions “contradict EU values and principles.” The council urged Georgian authorities to respect citizens’ fundamental rights.

The UK imposed sanctions on five top Georgian officials, including Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri, citing “brutal crackdowns on media and protesters.” Sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans. Read more here

The US added Georgia’s Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and Deputy Emergency Department Chief Mirza Kezevadze to the global Magnitsky List. The move was coordinated with the UK. Read more here

The US State Department expanded visa restrictions on Georgian officials, including law enforcement and municipal leaders, and their families, for their role in violence against media, opposition, and protesters in 2024. Read more here

Council of Europe Secretary-General Alain Berset continued his visit to Tbilisi, meeting government representatives. The ruling party claimed these meetings legitimized their administration, while opposition leaders countered, emphasizing that Europe does not recognize their legitimacy.

Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the “United National Movement,” stated after meeting Berset that the visit does not legitimize the ruling regime. He also hinted at a potential visit from a European commission to investigate protest-related abuses.

Volodymyr Zelensky: “No democratic nation, including Georgia, should be excluded from Europe or the Western alliance. The mafia aligned with Russia in Georgia is steering the country towards Putin’s influence, away from Europe. I urge pressure on Ivanishvili and his associates to prevent this trajectory.”

17 OSCE member states issued a joint statement criticizing Georgia’s human rights record, urging the government to release protest detainees and hold those responsible for excessive force accountable.

Georgia’s largest banks, TBC and Sakartvelo Banki, created a $1.8 million fund to support pro-European protest victims and local businesses. Both banks oppose halting EU accession talks.

EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski: “I never imagined witnessing such brutality against journalists in Georgia, especially on the anniversary of its EU candidacy.”

In Abkhazia, an MP fired a gun during a parliamentary debate on cryptocurrency mining. Adgur Kharazi shot and injured MP Kan Kvarchia, and a stray bullet killed MP Vakhtang Golandzia. Read more here

Photo by Maka Tsnobiladze/JAMnews. The sign reads: “Freedom! We won’t give up!”

Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis condemned the European Parliament’s anti-Azerbaijani resolution, calling it “an attempt to politicize the investigation of crimes.” The resolution urges sanctions on three Azerbaijani security officials and termination of the EU-Azerbaijan energy agreement.

“Visa applications seem to be a new measure of foreign policy success for France,” the Foreign Ministry said, responding to the French ambassador’s claim of increased Azerbaijani visa requests. Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizade noted that despite France’s biased policy, visits by French citizens to Azerbaijan rose compared to 2023.

Azerbaijan has joined the D-8, also known as the “Islamic Eight,” as a new member, announced by Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the organization’s Cairo summit.

Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov discussed plans for humanitarian aid to Syria with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

Over 70 students were hospitalized after a gas leak from a heating stove caused poisoning at a secondary school in Tovuz District.

Three Azerbaijani athletes received doping bans: Rovshan Khalilov (powerlifting) and Gunel Valiyeva (weightlifting) for four years each, and Saida Aliyeva (taekwondo) for two years.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan: “Once the border with Azerbaijan is demarcated, there will be no need for third-party forces on the border.” Pashinyan commented on Baku’s demand for Armenia to reject the presence of the EU monitoring mission on its side of the border with Azerbaijan.

Armenia is preparing to sign an economic cooperation agreement with Hungary. Relations with Hungary were “frozen” in 2012 when Hungary extradited Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov to Baku, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan. However, diplomatic ties were “thawed” in 2022. The agreement, proposed by the Ministry of Economy, includes the establishment of a joint economic commission.

The son of former Syunik governor Surik Khachatryan has been released from custody and placed under alternative pre-trial measures, his lawyer told ArmLur. Tigran Khachatryan faces charges of illegal possession of weapons, hooliganism, and inflicting moderate bodily harm.

Yerevan hotels have been ranked the “coziest” by the travel planning service OneTwoTrip. Armenia also placed third among top-rated cities for customer service quality.

The 22nd day of protests in Georgia has begun, with demonstrators demanding new parliamentary elections to enable a lawful change of leadership and restore the country’s path toward European integration. Every evening, tens of thousands gather outside parliament holding banners and flags of Georgia and the European Union.

Council of Europe Secretary General Alen Berset visits Tbilisi amid political turmoil. Alen Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, is currently in Tbilisi. He met with Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party and widely regarded as Georgia’s shadow leader, as well as with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili, and ruling party-backed President Mikheil Kavelashvili. Meetings with opposition leaders and civil society representatives are scheduled for today.

The ruling Georgian Dream party-appointed Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze: “We had a highly productive meeting with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. We agreed to continue close cooperation between Georgia and the EU. Alen Berset plays a special role, and we are confident he will support Georgia in all areas.”

The leader of the ruling party’s faction in Georgia’s single-party parliament, Mamuka Mdinaradze: “The Secretary General is meeting with the Prime Minister and other officials, so stop speculating about the legitimacy of the government and parliament.”

Vedant Patel, U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson: “The U.S. is preparing additional measures, including sanctions, to hold accountable those we believe are undermining democracy in Georgia. We stand with the Georgian people in their Euro-Atlantic aspirations.”

President Salome Zourabichvili, addressing the European Parliament: “What is happening in Georgia is not a revolutionary movement at its core, as there is no demand to overthrow anyone. This is about holding free and fair parliamentary elections. Protesters have been in the streets for 21 days because they feel existential issues are at stake. This is a peaceful movement of civil disobedience, with two demands: restore my European future and my vote, as the October 26 elections were stolen.” Read more here

The U.S. Helsinki Commission stated: “If the ruling ‘Georgian Dream’ party manages to stay in power, it will turn Georgia into a platform for the spread of Russian, Chinese, and Iranian influence, as well as economic opportunities on which it is becoming increasingly dependent.”

“We must stop those orchestrating violent attacks on peaceful protesters in Georgia who are striving to defend their Euro-Atlantic future. It is essential to deploy impactful measures, such as financial sanctions,” reads a joint statement signed by U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Ben Cardin and a group of European parliamentarians.

Opposition leader Giorgi Gakharia urged public servants: “Your silence will harm your own future. Georgian Dream has not only taken the public sector hostage but has also created repressive legislative frameworks around it. I call on you to make the right choice and raise your voice, which Georgia and its people need today.”

Shalva Tadumadze, chair of the Supreme Court’s Criminal Chamber, plans to appeal sanctions imposed by Lithuania, which targeted 17 Georgian officials. He stated: “On what grounds and evidence did Lithuania consider me a gross violator of fundamental human rights? In my judicial career, I’ve reviewed approximately 5,000 criminal cases, only two of which were appealed to the European Court of Human Rights. In both cases, the court clarified that my rulings were legally sound and politically impartial.”

No bids were submitted for a tender announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to procure around 35,000 meal kits for police officers deployed during three weeks of mass pro-European protests. The Georgian service of Radio Liberty reported that the tender’s value was 300,000 lari (approximately $105,000). Following the tender’s failure, the ministry will continue purchasing meal kits through direct procurement.

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze announced the opening of the “New Year’s Village” on December 21, which will operate until January 7. The festivities will be located in Orbeliani Square, Dedaena Park, and the parking lot of the Justice House.

Photo David Pipia / JAMnews

Armenia voted in favor of Russia’s UN General Assembly resolution on combating neo-Nazism. The document was supported by 119 countries, with 10 abstentions and 53 voting against, including Germany, Italy, Canada, the United States, Ukraine, and Japan.

“The U.S. will continue to consistently urge Azerbaijan to respect human rights, including the fundamental rights and freedoms of detainees, and will take steps in this direction,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a briefing. He was responding to Armenian journalist Haykaram Nahapetyan’s question about the fate of Armenian soldiers and politicians imprisoned in Azerbaijan.

A live debate was held between Yerevan’s incumbent mayor Tigran Avinyan and former mayor Hayk Marutyan. The primary topic was the increase in public transportation fares. Marutyan asked Avinyan how much revenue the city administration would gain, to which Avinyan responded: approximately 5 billion drams (about $13 million).

Armenian drivers will no longer be required to carry a physical driver’s license if its validity can be confirmed on-site via a database, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Strong winds in Lori and Gegharkunik have toppled trees, damaged gas lines, electrical wires, building roofs, and vehicles.

Armenia has significantly improved its UEFA club ranking, climbing to 34th place with 4.375 points thanks to the performance of FC Noah. This is the country’s highest-ever UEFA ranking.

Photo: Speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly, Alen Simonyan, shared pictures from his official visit to India.

“Baku and Yerevan have yet to agree on two articles of the peace treaty. One concerns refraining from legal claims against each other—for instance, we recently completed a detailed analysis of damages caused during years of occupation [by Armenia], amounting to over $150 billion. The other relates to avoiding the deployment of representatives from other countries at the border,” President Ilham Aliyev said in an interview with Russia’s RIA Novosti. He also discussed Azerbaijan’s record military budget, the situation in Georgia, and suggested Baku as a venue for Russia-NATO talks. Read a summary of all topics here

The Court of Appeals upheld the December 3 decision of the district court rejecting economist Gubad Ibadoghlu’s appeal against the travel ban imposed on him. More on Gubad Ibadoghlu’s case here

Prime Minister Ali Asadov is in Cairo for the 11th summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (“Islamic Eight”).

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan kept the policy rate unchanged at 7.25%.

Romania, Italy, and Spain say they supported the EU’s sanctions proposal against Georgian authorities, debunking claims by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who thanked Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, and Spain for their “support for Georgia in the European Union Council.” Read more here

“You know who is the legitimately elected president of Georgia,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller in response to a question by Foreign Press USA’s Alex Raufoglu about the current Georgian president.

The European Council has published its conclusion on alliance expansion, reaffirming its support for the Georgian people’s European path. It expressed concern over the Georgian government’s actions, including the adoption of laws mirroring Russian models, and criticized the suspension of Georgia’s EU accession process until 2028. The Council condemned violence against protesters, journalists, and politicians.

Germany’s Deputy Foreign Minister Anna Lührmann urged the Georgian Dream government to engage in national dialogue with all relevant groups. She also expressed concerns about the violence amid ongoing protests in Georgia.

The members of the Community of Democracies’ governing council (Canada, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, Moldova, Norway, Romania, Sweden, the UK, the US) condemned excessive force against protesters in Georgia and called on authorities to end repressive actions.

Latvia’s Foreign Ministry announced that “EU countries will find ways to impose restrictions on Georgian authorities at a national level.”

The Czech Republic is allocating €230,000 in emergency aid to Georgian civil society and independent media. “The Czech Republic condemns recent violence against peaceful protesters in Georgia and expresses solidarity with the democratic aspirations of the Georgian people,” the Czech Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Amid widespread condemnation from Western partners, Irakli Kobakhidze, appointed by the Georgian Dream, claimed: “Some officials in the EU cannot adapt to the fact that everything is fine in Georgia compared to European countries. A stable majority is in place, the parliament and government are functioning, and the president will begin work on December 29. The situation in Georgia is vastly different from Germany and France, where crises are occurring.”

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) criticized a new law banning masks at public protests, calling it an attempt to increase vulnerability and suppress peaceful demonstrations. “A mask is a form of expression protected by freedom of speech and assembly. It can also serve as protection against violence,” said GYLA.

GYLA demands the Prosecutor’s Office review prison sentences for several arrested individuals, including opposition politician Aleko Elisashvili, connected to pro-European protests.

Giorgi Vashadze, a leader of the opposition National Movement, was attacked during a rally outside parliament. An unknown assailant reportedly tried to strike him with a screwdriver. Vashadze sustained a small scratch on his chin but was unharmed. The attacker fled the scene.

‘Publika’ debunked false claims that pro-European protesters stormed a church in the Vake district of Tbilisi on December 13 and threatened priests. “No, no one entered the church,” said its rector, Shalva Kekelia.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled against Russia in a case involving six applicants seeking the return of property lost in Abkhazia. The court attributed full responsibility to Russia for human rights violations in Abkhazia, emphasizing that Russia maintains effective control over the territory. It further noted that “according to international law, Abkhazia is an integral part of Georgia, but Georgian authorities have been unable to exercise control over the territory since the 1990s due to Russian military and political interference.”

Protest in Tbilisi. Photo by David Pipia/JAMnews.

Azerbaijan’s military court has received a criminal case against 15 representatives of the former unrecognized NKR, detained in Karabakh, the Prosecutor General’s Office reported.

The Baku Serious Crimes Court has started proceedings in the Abzas Media case. Journalists are accused of smuggling, which they vehemently deny, claiming persecution for their professional work and criticism of the government. Read more here

Rustam Minnikhanov, head of Tatarstan, visiting Azerbaijan, toured the Alat Free Economic Zone on the outskirts of Baku. Minnikhanov gifted three minibuses to the Jabrail, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts, liberated during the second Karabakh war in 2020.

Azerbaijan’s population grew by 37,766 (0.4%) since the beginning of the year, reaching 10,218,536 as of November 1, 2024, the State Statistics Committee reported. Of the total population, 54.5% are urban residents, 45.5% are rural, 49.8% are men, and 50.2% are women.

Former ruling party deputy Ovik Agazaryan may lose immunity for further arrest, reports 24news. Lawyer Akop Chatoyan told the publication that a criminal case against his client was initiated on the personal order of the prime minister. The Prosecutor General now plans to submit a request to parliament on January 20 to lift Agazaryan’s immunity.

Akop Aslanyan expelled from party following dismissal from parliamentary faction. A few days ago, Akop Aslanyan was expelled from the ruling party’s “Civil Contract” parliamentary faction. Now, he has also been excluded from the party itself. The reason remains unclear. Aslanyan has refused to comment, saying that he will not give interviews for the next month.

Prosecutor General plans to confiscate $1.4 million in property from former Armenian general staff chief and related individuals. Artak Davtyan and other individuals involved in a corruption case are also expected to face the seizure of an additional 97.4 million drams (over $243,000).

Nikol Pashinyan invites new French prime minister to Yerevan. In a congratulatory message to François Bayrou on his appointment as French Prime Minister, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed a desire to engage in “substantial discussions on the development of cooperation” between the two nations.

Swiss Federal Council adopts resolution “on the return of Artsakh (Карабах) Armenians”. “Today, the Swiss Federal Council adopted a resolution on the return of Armenians to Artsakh. Let me remind you that the right of return to Artsakh is also supported by the United States, EU countries, and Russia—almost everyone except the Armenian authorities,” wrote Levon Kocharyan, a member of the “Armenia” parliamentary faction and the son of former pro-Russian President Robert Kocharyan, on his Telegram channel.

Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu approached Armenian parliament members during NATO assemblyю “Çavuşoğlu came up to me, Arusyak Julhakyan, Vaagnu Aleksanyan, and we spoke. We didn’t initiate anything; he approached us before the plenary session. He spoke about peace and its opportunities. Is that a bad thing? I think it’s very good,” said Andranik Kocharyan, a ruling “Civil Contract” party deputy and head of the parliamentary defense and security committee.

9-year-old Ariana Baghdasaryan (pictured) wins international artistic gymnastics title at Friendship International Winter Cup in Yerevan. Ariana secured three gold medals at the tournament, which featured around 700 athletes from over 10 countries, including Georgia, the United States, the UAE, and others.

20 days of protests in Georgia demanding new parliamentary elections to lawfully change the country’s leadership and return to the path of European integration. Every evening, tens of thousands gather outside parliament with Georgian and EU flags. In Tbilisi, grandparents marched in support of their grandchildren standing before parliament daily, carrying signs reading “For a European future! For our dignified old age!” Video here.

Georgian ambassador to Estonia was summoned to the Estonian Foreign Ministry to discuss violence against citizens during the protests. This follows claims by the ruling Georgian Dream party that Estonia and Lithuania acted under “foreign administration” when sanctioning Georgian officials. Georgian authorities further accused the two countries of retaining a “Soviet mentality” despite 33 years of independence.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola expressed solidarity with the Georgian people and condemned the repression of the opposition and the use of force against peaceful protesters. Metsola invited President Salome Zourabichvili to the European Parliament to discuss further steps, calling on the EU to take “decisive actions,” including sanctions against those responsible. Read more here

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas stated that the EU Foreign Affairs Council discussed sanctions against Georgian officials linked to violence against peaceful protests. Kallas confirmed the Council’s decision to suspend the visa-free regime for Georgian diplomatic passport holders. Read more here

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly leaders Lucy Potichkova and Karina Odebrink expressed concern over the situation in Georgia, condemning violence against citizens. They urged Georgian authorities to “immediately end persecution of civil society, media, and the political opposition.”

UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty announced on X that London is considering all options to hold those responsible for violence against peaceful protesters accountable. Doughty stated he clearly conveyed this to Georgian Dream representative Maka Bochorishvili (recently appointed foreign minister), stressing that violence and arrests by police are unacceptable.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller revealed that the United States has prepared additional sanctions against Georgian officials, set to be announced in the coming weeks. Miller reiterated concerns about “the state of Georgian democracy.”

Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Ministry declared Moscow is “ready to normalize relations with Georgia as far as official Tbilisi is willing to go.”

The Special Investigation Service recognized Formula TV journalist Guram Rogava as a victim. On November 29, Rogava was attacked by riot police while reporting during a protest dispersal, resulting in a broken collarbone and facial fractures.

A court released opposition leader Aleko Elisashvili on bail of 4,000 lari (approximately $1,400). Elisashvili was arrested on December 4 following a physical altercation with a Georgian Dream representative. He faces charges of “persecution with the use of violence.”

Photo by JAMnews: Renowned Georgian chef Tekuna Gachechiladze has set up a mobile café in the middle of the mass protest in front of parliament, offering free hot soup to anyone in need. In recent days, evening temperatures in Tbilisi have dropped below freezing.

Staff from the Ombudsman’s office conducted an unannounced visit to a children’s home in Gyumri, publishing alarming photographs. A range of problems was documented, some of which are systemic and require urgent solutions. Issues include a lack of personal space, with some beds pushed together or placed very close. Children are unable to meet their personal hygiene needs privately, as most bathrooms are not separated from bedrooms, and bathing occurs in the presence of other children. Children’s toothbrushes were found dirty, and there were issues with personalizing hygiene items, cups, and plates. Cases of caregivers mixing up children’s towels were also observed.

“Russia hopes Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, like all invited leaders, will attend the informal CIS summit in St. Petersburg at the end of December,” said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.

Viber accounts are being hacked en masse in Armenia, according to cybersecurity expert Samvel Martirosyan: “Users receive a message prompting them to verify their account, followed by a six-digit code, which they are then urged to share. In reality, this code is their Viber recovery code, allowing the account to be hijacked.”

Nikol Pashinyan surprised the public by revealing he has been with his wife for 27 years but is not officially married. Responding to questions on his personal Facebook page, he explained that he and Anna Hakobyan “are not married either by civil registry or in church—our relationship is defined by our children.”

A car explosion occurred at a gas station on the Yerevan-Sevan highway, leaving one person injured. Further details have not yet been reported.

4 billion manats ($2.35 billion) will be allocated for the reconstruction of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur next year. From 2020 to 2025, a total of 22 billion manats ($13 billion) has been earmarked for these purposes, Prime Minister Ali Asadov announced during the budget discussions in parliament.

Azerbaijan’s parliament approved the state budget. In 2025, revenues are expected to reach 38.356 billion manats ($22.56 billion), while expenditures are projected at 41.407 billion manats ($24.35 billion). The budget deficit is estimated at 3.05 billion manats ($1.8 billion).

The Azerbaijani parliament passed a draft law in its first reading to lower the upper conscription age limit from 35 to 30 years.

Azerbaijan’s State Security Service detained three men for allegedly plotting to seize a customs post and take hostages. Read more here

A court rejected the appeal of French citizen Clerc Tego Hugo, who was sentenced to three years in prison for vandalizing the Baku metro with graffiti. Read more here

Rustam Minnikhanov, head of Tatarstan, arrived in Baku on a working visit. The purpose of the visit has not been disclosed.

The city of Gazakh has been named “Sports Capital” of Azerbaijan for 2026, while Goranboy will hold the title of “Youth Capital” in the same year.

Photo: Baku’s Aziz Aliyev Street, running along the walls of the Old City (Icherisheher), becomes a Formula 1 raceway each year

 The protests in Georgia demanding new parliamentary elections have entered their 19th day, with demonstrators seeking a legitimate change in the country’s leadership. Tens of thousands participated in marches across Tbilisi, organized by professional groups such as managers, businesspeople, artists, and veterinarians. In the evening, as in previous days, a united protest took place outside the Parliament building. Photos, videos, and accounts are available here.

Lithuania and Estonia have expanded their sanctions lists against Georgian politicians. The lists now include 17 and 14 names, respectively, both featuring the ruling party’s appointed Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Read more here

 “The European Union will impose sanctions on 18 individuals and three companies to counter hybrid threats from Russia,” tweeted Rikard Jozwiak, the European Bureau Chief of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The list reportedly includes one Moldovan and one Georgian citizen.

Amnesty International has released a report on the situation in Georgia, highlighting “systematic, state-sanctioned human rights violations.” “The scale of unlawful use of force, torture, and other forms of ill-treatment by the police indicates that they are acting under government directives and are emboldened by impunity,” the report states. Read more here

The Georgian opposition has called on the EU High Representative to “declare the Ivanishvili regime illegitimate” and to “take urgent measures to support the people of Georgia in their fight for European values.” Read more here

 President Salome Zourabichvili met with artists and IT professionals who marched to her administration building in solidarity with her pro-European policies. Protesters greeted Zourabichvili with applause.

 A new platform, freebusiness.ge, has been launched to share reactions and opinions from Georgian entrepreneurs on the country’s ongoing developments. The platform emphasizes that the political crisis has escalated beyond party politics, posing socio-economic risks. It calls for immediate de-escalation through new parliamentary elections by year-end and the release of detained protesters.

 Over 400 HR specialists, managers, and business consultants have signed a statement demanding the release of arrested protesters and the organization of free parliamentary elections.

 The Georgian Information and Communications Association condemned the violence against peaceful protesters, calling it inconsistent with the country’s European aspirations. It demands the immediate release of detained protesters and new democratic elections. The association also criticized the election of the new president by an illegitimate parliament without an alternative candidate.

The ruling Georgian Dream party’s one-party parliament has fast-tracked amendments to the Civil Service Law: • Knowledge of the Georgian state language will no longer be mandatory for heads of state institutions and their deputies; • Heads of primary structural units and their deputies will no longer be classified as civil servants but as “employees under administrative contracts.”

 President Salome Zourabichvili held a phone call with European Council President António Costa, who reaffirmed the EU’s support for the Georgian people in their fight for a European future.

 Newly elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili, chosen by the ruling party, praised the police, claiming there were “no cases of violence against peaceful protesters.”

 Alexey Lobarev, head of Russia’s Association of Law Enforcement Trade Unions, posted on social media about his visit to Tbilisi during the protests at the invitation of local colleagues. He shared photos and videos with Georgian police officers and promoted a book he co-authored titled Collaboration of Psychics with the Police.

Photo David Pipia/JAMnews

The first group of internally displaced persons, consisting of 27 families (152 people), has been resettled in the village of Ballyja in the Khojaly district (Karabakh).

The consular section of Azerbaijan’s embassy in Iran has resumed operations. The embassy had suspended its activities following an armed attack in January 2023. In mid-July 2024, the ambassador and diplomatic staff returned to Tehran.

Turkish customs officers mistook Grandmaster Shakhriyar Mamedyarov for a smuggler. The chess player, arriving in Istanbul from London, was detained at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, according to FIDE Master Selim Gürkan on the Satranc Okulu YouTube channel. After Mamedyarov identified himself and the officers found information about him online, they apologized and allowed him to enter Turkey. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov currently ranks 16th among the world’s top chess players.

A ceremony was held in Baku to bless the site where a Catholic church dedicated to Saint John Paul II will be built. The event was attended by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

“Armenia’s suspension of its membership in the CSTO (a military alliance led by Russia) is a grave mistake. Yerevan has always received significant support from Moscow and the organization’s members,” said Nikolay Bordyuzha, CSTO Secretary General from 2003 to 2016.

Russian political analyst Andranik Migranyan has been declared persona non grata in Armenia, according to the Union of Armenians of Russia. On December 15, he was denied entry at passport control in Yerevan’s airport while traveling as part of a delegation led by the Union’s president, Ara Abrahamyan. No other members of the delegation faced issues. The reasons for denying Migranyan entry were not disclosed, though he has long been criticized in Armenia for his negative remarks about the country’s pro-European course.

Varazdat Lalayan has been crowned world champion in the super heavyweight category at the championship held in Bahrain.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan congratulated Georgia’s newly elected president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, backed by the ruling party. “Armenia hopes to strengthen our strategic partnership and enhance cooperation at all levels. We wish him every success in this important role,” Pashinyan wrote on X.

North avenue in Yerevan. Photo by Arthur Harutyunyan

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 9-13 December, 2024