Top stories in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia from June 10-14, 2024

● The President has vetoed the controversial amendments to the Election Code. The disagreement centers on two points: the effective reduction of the quorum required for CEC decisions and the abolition of the requirement for the CEC to work closely with an advisory group including experts from independent monitoring organizations.

● The chair of the “Droa” party, Elene Khoshtaria, stated: “Creating a unified opposition list for the elections without the ‘National Movement’ (Saakashvili’s party) is the only guaranteed way to limit this party.”

● Former President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is currently imprisoned, writes that his main legacy is the peaceful transfer of power. “We will do everything so that this year (in the October elections) the Georgian people will once again take control of the country.”

● Natia Mezvrishvili of the “For Georgia” party disagrees with the President’s proposal that, if the opposition wins the parliamentary elections in October, the newly elected MPs should convene a session only to repeal the anti-democratic decisions of the previous parliament, followed by new parliamentary elections in a free environment. “The starting point for everyone should be mobilizing as many people as possible for the decisive elections in October. It is not worth saying that there will be new elections in a year, as many might think there is no point in coming now if there will be another vote later. The main thing is high voter turnout and mobilizing the youth now, as this is a decisive factor in preventing the falsifications already being prepared by the ruling party,” Mezvrishvili said.

● Konstantin Zatulin, Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, stated that the restoration of diplomatic relations with Georgia is in the mutual interests of both countries; however, Moscow will not abandon its recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia’s independence. “In Georgia, the hunt continues for those who supported the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia or visited these regions. Many Russians, including not only politicians but also ordinary citizens who increasingly visit Abkhazia, have suffered,” he said. Earlier, the Georgian independent TV channel “Mtavari Arxi” reported that the ruling “Georgian Dream” might be preparing to restore diplomatic relations with Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry called these reports disinformation. Georgia severed relations with Russia after Moscow recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states in 2008.

● Mamuka Mamulashvili, head of the “Georgian Legion” fighting on the side of Ukraine, reported that he was poisoned. Toxicological examination in Germany found arsenic, mercury, and tin in his body. “Presumably, the poisonous substances were mixed with food,” Mamulashvili told the Georgian service of “Radio Liberty.”

Photo: Batumi, JAMnews

● The protest movement will dismantle the tent camp on Baghramyan Avenue as the declared 96 hours have expired. “We will reformat our movement and bring our actions to a victorious end,” said protest leader Bagrat Galstanyan.

● “Yesterday’s events proved that these people are willing to do anything to retain power, including using weapons against the people,” commented Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan on the clashes with police the previous day, which left dozens injured.

● U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma will visit Armenia on June 17 for a three-day visit. He will participate in the Armenian-American forum dedicated to “issues of democracy in local governance.”

● “Azerbaijan has once again spread disinformation,” reported the Ministry of Defense. “The information that on June 12, around 19:50, Armenian Armed Forces units fired in the direction of Azerbaijani positions in the southwestern border zone is not true.”

● “Representatives of the military-political leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh, currently imprisoned in Baku, were hostages in September 2023; their presence in Stepanakert until the last moment ensured the peaceful exit of the population,” stated Samvel Shahramanyan, the last president of the former unrecognized NKR.

● Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova: “In Armenia, they said the country will definitely leave the CSTO. Recently, Armenian politicians claimed that the CSTO left Armenia. So, did the CSTO return to Armenia so that Armenia could leave it? This verbal juggling is either undignified or cheap.” More on Nikol Pashinyan’s statement about the CSTO as a “bubble alliance” and Armenia’s exit from it here 

● The Ministry of Defense reported three times in the past 24 hours about shelling of Azerbaijani army positions stationed in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

● President Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening of the Mud Volcano Tourist Complex. Here, visitors can observe the “Gilynj” mud volcanoes, which consist of eight cones.

● Azerbaijan is considering purchasing a railway terminal in China and plans to open its representation there, said the head of the railways, Rovshan Rustamov.

● An elevator in a residential complex on Khudu Mammadov Street in Baku fell. As a result, 7 people were injured to varying degrees, two of them children.

● Bicycle parking stations are being installed in Baku. The first ones have appeared on Istiglaliyyat Street and Azerbaijan Avenue. They are planned to be installed in front of metro stations, shopping centers, and along the Baku Boulevard.

● The “Last Bell” ceremony will take place today in all schools across Azerbaijan. More than 102,000 11th-grade students and over 150,000 9th-grade students will graduate.

● Late last night, police used special measures against participants of the opposition movement “Tavush for the Homeland” which demands the government’s resignation.(pictured). About 90 people sought medical help for various injuries, including journalists. Social media is circulating footage of police beating protesters.

● Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan justified the police’s use of stun grenades during the protest. He claimed that the movement’s leader, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, “provoked” protesters to attack the police, leading activists to break through the barricades toward the parliament building. In response, the police “justly began using stun grenades.”

● Clashes also occurred inside the parliament building, where a fight broke out between opposition and government supporters. The conflict was triggered by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s remark about “cowardly generals-deserters” who abandoned the battlefield during the 44-day war in 2020. In his speech, the Armenian Prime Minister also accused the opposition of “using the population of Nagorno-Karabakh as material for rallies.”

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hinted in parliament that Armenia might leave the CSTO. He stated that “former Armenian authorities joined a bubble-alliance, which not only doesn’t protect Armenia but has some members who, along with Azerbaijan, are preparing an attack on it.” Read more here

● The parliament passed the first reading of a bill setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 with no exceptions. The previous legislation allowed marriage at 16 and 17 in certain cases.

● The European Union has categorically condemned attacks and intimidation against civil activists, journalists, and political leaders in Georgia and urges the authorities to investigate all incidents. The EU also calls on Georgian political figures to “refrain from statements that could further exacerbate extreme polarization in the country.”

● The EU is considering responses to the adoption of Georgia’s “Foreign Influence Transparency” law and other actions that undermine democracy and the rule of law.

● The statement also notes that the Georgian government is engaged in a disinformation campaign about the EU and its values, which contradicts Georgia’s stated aspirations to join the alliance. The EU urges Georgian authorities to refrain from such statements.

● Acting President of the National Bank Natia Turnava sees no issue with the continued depreciation of the lari. “This is caused by negative public expectations amid the spread of false information and statements by irresponsible politicians and experts. There are no fundamental reasons for the lari’s devaluation.”

● U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Jim O’Brien: “Georgia and Armenia have expressed interest in closer ties with the European Union and its single free market. Signing a peace agreement [between Armenia and Azerbaijan] will accelerate this integration and enable substantial investment in the region’s development.”

● Georgia has received a shipment of VURAN armored vehicles from Turkey, developed to NATO standards. “Georgia’s defense capabilities are strengthening, and relations with Turkey are deepening,” the Defense Ministry stated.

● The “Georgian Cinema in Danger” movement reports that aggressive groups have ambushed the home of movement member Giorgi Tavartkiladze, who actively opposes the “foreign agents” law, for the third time. He called the patrol, and the group dispersed. “We will not be intimidated, the struggle continues,” the movement’s statement reads.

● The famous British band Massive Attack canceled their concert in Georgia in protest against the actions of the country’s authorities (in the photo). “Beatings, arrests, intimidation, and violence against peaceful citizens, activists, and the opposition, as well as laws that threaten civil society and deny minority rights, contradict everything we stand for. We stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters in Georgia. We will return and perform before you in a free country,” the band’s statement reads.

● Today marks the anniversary of the devastating flood in Tbilisi in 2015. On the evening of June 13, after very heavy rain, the Vere River overflowed its banks, and the water level reached several meters, quickly covering one of the main roads in the city center near the zoo. Twenty-one people died, and two are still missing. The zoo was almost completely destroyed, with more than half of its inhabitants killed; several large predators were euthanized after escaping and being tracked for several days. One of the victims was killed by a tiger hiding in a basement.

● The pre-trial detention of journalists Sevinj Vagifgyzy and Ulvi Hasanli, arrested in connection with the “Abzas Media case,” has been extended for another three months. They are charged with “smuggling by a group of persons by prior conspiracy.” All detained journalists categorically deny the charges, claiming political motivation behind their arrest, a stance supported by many international organizations. Read more here

● The withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers from Karabakh has been completed, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defense and the Russian Embassy in Baku. The Azerbaijani flag has been raised at the Khojaly airport where they were previously stationed.

● Azerbaijan hosted the closing ceremony of the international exercises “Caucasian Eagle-2024,” with participation from Azerbaijani, Georgian, and Turkish military personnel.

● Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will visit Shusha (Karabakh) on July 6, according to Turkish media.

● The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “concern over the situation in France, where police violence against protesters and the use of tear gas have been reported. Excessive use of force against peaceful protesters exercising their right to assemble and freedom of expression is unacceptable.”

● France has banned an employee of the state news agency “AzerTAj” from entering the Schengen zone. Aygun Hasanova was invited to a climate change event organized by UN structures in Bonn, Germany. After intervention by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Germany, the journalist was granted entry to the country.

● A railway line will be extended to Baku International Airport.

● Tajikistan will plant an “Apricot Friendship Garden” in Azerbaijan. This agreement was reached during a meeting between the agriculture ministers of the two countries at the International Water Forum in Dushanbe. Azerbaijan is already establishing a “Pomegranate Friendship Garden” in Tajikistan.

● The head coach of Azerbaijan’s national football team is now renowned Portuguese coach Fernando Santos (pictured). His goal is to achieve success in the qualifying stage for “EURO-2028.”

● The pre-trial detention of journalist Nargiz Absalamova, detained in the “Abzas Media” case, has been extended by another three months. She, along with five other employees of the independent online publication, is accused of “smuggling by a group of persons.” All the arrested journalists categorically deny the charges and claim that the persecution is politically motivated. More about Nargiz and other detained journalists in Azerbaijan here 

● The body of Azerbaijani serviceman Jeyhun Guseynov, who had been missing in Nakhchivan, has been found. An investigation is underway, the Ministry of Defense reported.

● Ilham Aliyev congratulated Putin on Russia Day.

● “Belarus needs to buy more goods from Azerbaijan,” Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said during a meeting with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova.

● The Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Germany, Jeyhun Bayramov and Annalena Baerbock, discussed the normalization process between Baku and Yerevan. Bayramov informed Baerbock about issues in the peace process and reminded her that Armenia’s territorial claims against Azerbaijan, enshrined in its constitution, are an obstacle to signing a peace agreement.

● The “Distinguished Observer Day” took place as part of the “Caucasian Eagle – 2024” exercises in Azerbaijan. The event was attended by heads of the Ministry of Defense and other state structures of Azerbaijan, as well as a group of high-ranking officers from Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

● The Azerbaijan national football team defeated Kazakhstan 3-2 in a friendly match.

● Activist Zuka Berdzenishvili was beaten in Tbilisi an hour after the parliamentary speaker criticized him on social media. Berdzenishvili ended up in the hospital. The speaker’s post also named other activists and journalists, including JAMnews. Human rights defenders fear that they too may now be in danger. Read more here

● Public Defender Levan Ioseliani stated in connection with this attack that “the incidence of physical force against citizens carrying out their professional activities and/or expressing opinions is increasing in the country.” He added, “Politicians make discrediting statements against the civil sector and human rights defenders, creating an intimidating environment for them and effectively encouraging threats of violence. The state must respond firmly and appropriately to every violent incident to prevent these cases from becoming widespread organized persecution and violence.”

● President Salome Zourabichvili has not ruled out the possibility of running for a second term. “If I become your candidate, I will be very happy and proud,” she said at a meeting with young people, responding to a question. Zourabichvili is the last president of Georgia elected by popular vote in 2018. The next president will be elected by a special group of 300 people, including parliament deputies and local government representatives. The next presidential election will be held shortly after the parliamentary elections, scheduled for October 26. Zourabichvili’s relationship with the current ruling party is very tense. Therefore, to have a chance for a second presidential term, the opposition needs to win the parliamentary elections.

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is participating in the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024) in Berlin. The main goal of the event is to mobilize international support for the reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine amidst Russian military aggression. Responding to journalists at the forum, Kobakhidze acknowledged the strained relations with Kyiv, attributing them to “certain decisions made by Kyiv,” but emphasized that they do not affect Georgia’s support for the Ukrainian people.

● Mayors from ten Georgian districts are participating in an international local government conference in Florida. All are representatives of the ruling party. The only opposition mayor in Georgia, from Tsalenjikha, is not attending the conference, Netgazeti reports. It is unclear who is funding the trip; the U.S. embassy confirmed to the publication that it has no involvement.

● Netgazeti also reported that the pro-Russian far-right movement “Alt-Info” will participate in the parliamentary elections in October. Previously, they were stripped of accreditation but have now partnered with another pro-Russian party, the “Alliance of Patriots,” which is represented in the current parliament.

● Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II sent a letter of gratitude to the honorary chairman of the ruling party, oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, after the billionaire bought a unique 10th-century manuscript of John Zosimas at a Christie’s auction in London and promised to donate it to the National Museum. “Bidzina Ivanishvili, alongside many other globally important deeds, has enriched our cultural heritage with this most important manuscript,” Ilia II wrote.

● The incidence of whooping cough in Georgia has increased sixfold. Last year, 117 people were infected, while by June 11 this year, 687 cases have been reported. Many doctors attribute this to parents abstaining from vaccinating their children during the COVID-19 pandemic due to fears of additional risks.

Photo JAMnews/David Pipia

● Relations between Armenia and the U.S. will be elevated to a strategic partnership level, according to a joint statement following the session in Yerevan. Washington also proposed that Yerevan develop a transport strategy based on the “Crossroads of the World” project. The strategic dialogue session also covered defense consultations and other topics.

● The Armenian Prime Minister discussed a peace treaty with Baku, border delimitation with Azerbaijan, the “Crossroads of the World” project, and other issues with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State.

● The parliamentary opposition is ready to resign and call for early elections, but only if Nikol Pashinyan does not remain acting Prime Minister, said “Hayastan” faction secretary Artsvik Minasyan.

● “We see no steps from Turkey to open the border with Armenia, but we hope the agreements will be fulfilled,” said Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ruben Rubinyan.

● Gunshots were heard on Shinararner Street in Yerevan. One person was killed. Local media reported that the victim was the criminal authority “Faz” (Sergey Grigoryan).

● The Armenian Prime Minister continues to ride his bicycle. Yesterday, he posted a video on TikTok showing him leaving the government residences at 6:32, arriving at Republic Square, and entering his office a few minutes later.

● The National Assembly Council rejected the opposition’s request for an extraordinary session to discuss the prime minister’s impeachment. The ruling faction holds a majority in the Council, with 13 votes against the opposition’s 2.

● “Protesters will block the entrances to the parliament building if deputies refuse to convene an extraordinary session for the prime minister’s impeachment,” said Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the “Tavush for the Homeland” movement, addressing protesters who have set up tents on Baghramyan Avenue in central Yerevan. “Deputies have no right to work on taxpayers’ money if they ignore the demands of these taxpayers,” Galstanyan declared.

● Paruyr Hayrikyan, leader of the “National Self-Determination” party, announced a hunger strike to protest “the transformation of Armenia into an illegitimate country.”

● Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin, who was summoned to Moscow for consultations, has already returned to Yerevan, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

● A lightning strike hit a Samara-Yerevan flight. There were no injuries. The incident occurred over Dagestan, and ground services recommended continuing to the destination airport, Russian media report.

● Armenia will be represented by the Deputy Foreign Minister at the international Ukraine Recovery Conference, which begins today in Berlin.

● The state program “Step to Home,” organized by the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, has started in Armenia. The program allows Armenian youth from other countries to spend their holidays in their historical homeland. The first group includes 55 Armenian teenagers from Russia, Georgia, and Ireland. The program will run from June 3 to August 24. Approximately 600 schoolchildren from 19 countries will participate in the project, divided into six stages.

● Azerbaijani soldier Jeyhun Guseynov went missing in Nakhchivan near the Armenian border. Armenia’s National Security Service stated it has no information on Guseynov crossing into Armenia. Some Armenian media had reported that Guseynov crossed the border and was detained by Armenian border guards.

● President Ilham Aliyev made a one-day working visit to Ankara, meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

● Erdoğan will attend an informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Shusha (Karabakh) in July. This was announced during the meeting between the Azerbaijani and Turkish presidents in Ankara. The summit will focus on transportation and climate issues.

● Presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev and Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz discussed bilateral relations and regional and global issues in Ankara.

● Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov traveled to Germany for a series of bilateral meetings.

● Fidan and Naryshkin discussed a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan. The Turkish Foreign Minister met with the head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service in Moscow.

● Azerbaijan received 116 yaks from Kyrgyzstan as a personal gift from President Japarov to President Aliyev. The yaks were flown from Bishkek to Ganja and will be bred in Kalbajar.

● S&P confirmed Azerbaijan’s economic rating at “BB+” (low short-term risk, high sensitivity to adverse financial changes). “The stable outlook anticipates Azerbaijan will maintain a double surplus for the next three years, based on forecast oil prices averaging $85 per barrel through the end of the year and $80 per barrel thereafter,” according to S&P. The oil and gas sector accounts for about 50% of Azerbaijan’s GDP and 80% of its exports.

● Azerbaijan issued a “yellow warning” for high winds today, with speeds reaching 20.7 m/s.

● The oldest car in the Peking to Paris Motor Rally, an American LaFrance Type 10 from 1914, caught fire in Baku during the rally. Other vintage cars continued their journey towards Georgia.

● The World Championship in Chovgan, an ancient Eastern equestrian team sport and predecessor to modern polo, opened in Azerbaijan. Teams from Azerbaijan, Germany, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malta, Morocco, Nigeria, Poland, Turkey, and Uzbekistan are participating.

● Parliament has officially registered the draft law “On Family Values and Protection of Minors.” The package includes 19 amendments, including a ban on same-sex marriages, a ban on gender reassignment procedures, censorship, and restrictions on freedom of assembly. Read more here

● The Georgian national football team has departed for Germany for Euro 2024 (pictured). “We are heading to Germany! 🇬🇪❤️ See you at the European Championship!” said the team’s post.

● “Threats, including dismissal, insults, and violence against opponents of the ‘foreign agents’ law; public employees were even forced to like posts by the mayor of Tbilisi,” – The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) presented a report on what happened in Georgia between the initiation of the ‘foreign agents’ law and its adoption. Read more here

● Upon unexpectedly meeting MP Viktor Japaridze at Tbilisi airport, Mariam Tsitsikashvili of the Georgian Reform Association (GRASS) publicly accused him of betraying the country for supporting the ‘foreign agents’ law. Tsitsikashvili recorded a video, which was then uploaded to social media. People frequently record such videos when they encounter ruling party MPs in public places, expressing their condemnation and outrage. Tsitsikashvili and her companion were removed from the flight and detained for minor hooliganism but were later released. GRASS claims the arrest was a form of intimidation.

● Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, along with global leaders, is attending the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024) in Berlin today and tomorrow.

● Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani has embarked on an official visit to Azerbaijan.

● In the first quarter of 2024, foreign direct investment in Georgia decreased by 64.4%.

● Today, the parliament will discuss the bill “on the prohibition of LGBT propaganda.” Read more here

● The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned yesterday’s parliamentary elections in the Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia), stating that “these ‘elections’ grossly violate Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The EU also made a statement on this issue. “The European Union remains a staunch supporter of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Peter Stano, spokesperson for the EU High Representative.

● The Georgian national football team defeated Montenegro 3-1 in a friendly match. Goals were scored by Otar Kiteishvili, Giorgi Kvilitaia, and Budi Zivzivadze. This was the team’s final match in Germany before heading to Euro 2024.

● The parliament will soon discuss a government initiative to exempt individuals arrested for violating COVID-19 regulations from administrative fines and criminal liability.

● Levan Khabaishvili replaced by Tina Bokuchava as the chairperson of the “National Movement.” According to Khabaishvili, he resigned from his post due to health reasons. Former National Movement chairperson Nika Melia alleges “political corruption within the party.” Read more here

● A video went viral on social media showing a local resident confronting Irakli Zarkua, a ruling party deputy, and calling him a “traitor and a slave.” Zarkua was caught on camera while waiting outside for his son, who was attending a dance class. Zarkua is one of the 84 deputies who voted for the “foreign agents” law. People are increasingly recording such videos when they encounter ruling party deputies in the streets or public places to express their condemnation and outrage.

● On the evening of June 9, heavy rain, wind, and hail hit almost the entire territory of Georgia. Gardens and vineyards in Kakheti and Imereti suffered significant damage. A landslide occurred on the Rikoti Pass, leading to a two-hour closure of the main road connecting western and eastern Georgia (shown in the video).

● A fire broke out at the Batumi port due to a warehouse containing tires catching fire. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

● Armenia will not participate in approving the annual CSTO budget and funding the organization, stated Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Balyan. Due to Armenia’s refusal to make contributions, adjustments to the CSTO budget for 2024 are necessary. However, Yerevan does not object to limited decisions regarding the budget structure adopted on November 23, 2023.

● The protest movement declared continuous street actions and strikes for four days without interruption. “We must be on the streets to assert our will. Our demand remains the resignation of the Prime Minister, but other political decisions discussed in the square are not excluded and are subject to discussion,” said Archbishop Bagrat Galstyan, the protest leader, which began with demands to halt and reform the demarcation process with Azerbaijan.

● Protesters staged an action at government dachas, leading to altercations and clashes with police. Subsequently, dozens of protesters spent the entire night in tents in downtown Yerevan.

● Parliamentary opposition will convene on June 11 with the agenda of the government’s resignation.

● The Russian Foreign Ministry sent a protest note to the Armenian Foreign Ministry after Armenian officials’ visit to Bucha in Ukraine, a city that became a symbol of brutality and savage killings of civilians committed by Russian military. “We consider the visit of Nor-Nork district head Tigran Ter-Margaryan and Armenian mission representative Vladimir Karapetyan to Bucha as a blatantly unfriendly step from official Yerevan,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. She also expressed concern over “Armenian representatives providing assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and making unacceptable statements against Russia.”

● Yerevan hosted the annual Yerevan Wine Days 2024 festival featuring over 700 local wine producers, restaurants, and bars (pictured). Additionally, wine tours across Armenia were presented as part of the festival.

● President Ilham Aliyev will visit Ankara today at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

● “Azerbaijan’s position is clear – an independent Palestinian state must be established, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” said Ilham Aliyev during a joint press conference with the President of Egypt during his visit to the country.

● Turkish astronaut Cihan Güneş successfully completed his mission in outer space. His flight lasted 1 hour 20 minutes. During the mission, the astronaut wore a uniform embroidered with the flags of Turkey and Azerbaijan.

● Military serviceman Jahangir Tofiq oglu Guseynov went missing on June 9 under unclear circumstances in the direction of the settlement of Gyunnut in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

● Two Azerbaijani border guards died from a lightning strike in Lankaran.

● Former “What? Where? When?” player Rovshan Askerov, declared a “foreign agent” in Russia, faces another criminal case for violating rules associated with this status. He faces up to two years in prison. Askerov is a citizen of Russia but does not reside there. He was listed as a foreign agent in Russia in December 2023 and has been fined three times for violating the rules of foreign agents. He was previously arrested in absentia on charges of rehabilitating Nazism and is currently on the federal wanted list.

● Azerbaijan has lifted the ban on the import and transit of small ruminants from Georgia, announced the National Food Agency. It was introduced on April 24 due to the registration of plague among animals in the border region of Kvemo Kartli in Georgia.

● Azerbaijan confirmed its participation in the international popular music contest “Intervision” hosted by Russia. It is reported that more than 16 countries have confirmed their participation.

● Azerbaijan hosted its first “Apricot Festival”. The event in Shamakhi featured dishes from the national cuisine, including apricot jams and juices.

● Another hot air balloon festival took place in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan.

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