Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 21-25 July, 2025

● In Tbilisi, police and the Enforcement Bureau are evicting families of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Abkhazia using force Video below). Residents resisted; 17 people were detained for disobeying the police. Mayor Kakha Kaladze posted a video message on social media saying the eviction was the building owner’s decision. He added that City Hall is ready to assist evicted citizens registered in the capital with rental support, but according to him, they rejected the offer.

● The National Bureau of Enforcement stated that residents had been notified in advance and received both financial and psychological support. According to the Bureau, 39 families, including IDPs and vulnerable persons, were living at the address on Tvalchrelidze Street. The eviction had already been postponed twice, and the creditor had offered either a lump-sum payment or rent coverage, the Bureau said.

● The “Gakharia for Georgia” party issued a statement regarding the eviction: “City Hall offers neither alternative housing nor minimal compensation. It didn’t even attempt to negotiate with the residents or the building owner. No mediation process was initiated, as confirmed by the residents themselves,” the statement reads.

● EUvsDisinfo, the EU’s anti-disinformation initiative, published a sharply critical article about Georgia’s pro-government TV channel Imedi. “The channel has become a powerful propaganda tool for the ruling party, relentlessly spreading anti-Western rhetoric and Kremlin-style disinformation,” the article says. EUvsDisinfo was launched in 2015 to counter Russian disinformation.

● Georgian Dream-affiliated president Mikheil Kavelashvili: “99% of the country’s radical political forces — including NGOs, political parties, and media — operate on orders from the ‘deep state.’ They are connected to foreign actors either through financial support, ideological influence, or direct ties. There is no one who truly works in response to the public’s needs and at the same time stands against the authorities. So-called independent experts and representatives of international organizations in Georgia also fall under foreign influence one way or another — either receiving funding from abroad or being members of the deep state.”

● Abkhazia held an emergency “Security Council” meeting after Ukrainian drones flew over its territory and attacked nearby Russian cities Sochi and Adler. The meeting declared a “violation of Abkhazia’s airspace.”

● Former intelligence chief Davit Sujashvili was questioned by the prosecutor’s office in connection with the 2019 installation of a checkpoint near the village of Chorchana in the Georgia–South Ossetia conflict zone. Georgian Dream claims this caused a serious escalation, the loss of control over additional territory, and increased risks for locals. The decision is blamed on then-Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia, now a key opposition leader. Sujashvili, like former Defense Minister Levan Izoria who was questioned earlier, said he was unaware of the checkpoint and only learned about it from open sources.

● According to Transparency International Georgia, from 2014 to 2024, companies owned by Vakhtang Karichashvili (a cousin of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, considered Georgia’s shadow ruler) and Ucha Mamatsashvili (Ivanishvili’s business partner) received 56 million GEL (about \$20 million) through state agricultural programs. Over the same period, Karichashvili’s companies and director donated 783,000 GEL (about \$286,000) to Georgian Dream. Transparency International also reported that Karichashvili holds dual Georgian and Russian citizenship and is on Ukraine’s sanctions list for cooperation with Russia. On January 28, 2025, he and several others founded the “Georgian-Russian Business Association.”

● The Anti-Corruption Bureau is holding a meeting with public sector representatives to discuss a new law taking effect in September. With few exceptions, civil servants will no longer be allowed to hold multiple positions.

● Anna Dolidze, leader of the opposition “People’s Party,” announced that her party will boycott the October local elections, joining most of the opposition in their election boycott. Only two opposition forces – the “Lelo–Strong Georgia” alliance and the “Gakharia for Georgia” party – have declared participation and are being heavily criticized by the rest of the opposition.

Four people were detained on Thursday during a forced eviction from a dilapidated residential building in Tbilisi’s Varketili district, according to Georgia’s Interior Ministry, as reported by TV Pirveli. Detainees face charges of disobeying police orders under Article 173 of the… pic.twitter.com/E6z8M1ekVP

— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) July 24, 2025

● Azerbaijani NGOs sent a letter of protest to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in response to an appeal by 87 members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging him “to discuss with all parties to the conflict the issue of the safe return of Karabakh Armenians to their homeland in Nagorno-Karabakh.” “The group of U.S. congressmen is trying to disrupt the peace agreement process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, artificially create tension, and provoke a new conflict hotspot in the region. It is deeply regrettable that people with no connection to the region and no real understanding of its issues sign irresponsible statements in exchange for financial incentives from the Armenian lobby in the U.S. These are the same people who remained silent when Armenia occupied Azerbaijani lands, turned a blind eye to the bloodshed of innocent victims, and sided with the aggressor. Now, they are doing everything to ensure that war criminals who shed Azerbaijani blood escape justice. We believe that before speaking about the return of Armenians to the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan, these congressmen must recognize the right of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia to return. The material and cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people was barbarically destroyed and looted both in the occupied territories of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, as well as in present-day Armenia. Silencing this fact is a glaring injustice that the international community must not ignore,” the letter says.

● The UN Secretariat has circulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s address to participants of the international conference on “Return to Western Azerbaijan as an important condition for upholding human rights” as official documents of the UN Security Council and General Assembly. The conference took place in May in Ankara, Turkey, and focused on the importance of ensuring the return of ethnic Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia in the early 1990s. The “Western Azerbaijan Community” expressed gratitude to the UN and once again called on the Armenian government to “create conditions for the return of Azerbaijanis to their homes in accordance with the obligations Armenia assumed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international conventions.”

● “Turkey is working to contribute to the development of the Zangezur Corridor. Transport routes in the region are important to us,” said Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. The corridor refers to a proposed road connecting Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan via Armenian territory. Baku insists on an extraterritorial road, while Yerevan demands to retain control over the route. “Azerbaijan and Armenia continue discussions. I believe this issue will be resolved soon, opening a shorter path to the Turkic world,” Uraloğlu added. While Azerbaijan is actively building the road and railway on its territory, Turkey will start construction this year along the Kars-Iğdır-Nakhchivan route, he said.

● Social media users are discussing the sudden dismissal of Mikhail Gusman from his position as First Deputy Director of Russia’s state news agency TASS, shortly after his highly praised speech at the Shusha Media Forum, where he lauded Azerbaijan’s foreign policy amid a crisis in Azerbaijan-Russia relations. Authorities did not explain the reason for his dismissal, and Gusman has not commented. A native of Baku, he was criticized in Russian media and social media for failing to mention Azerbaijani President Aliyev’s critical remarks about Russia or his stated intent to sue Moscow in international courts. Gusman had said: “Azerbaijan conducts a truly unique foreign policy. Asking how it is done is like asking a virtuoso violinist how he plays.”

● Ulvi Hasanli, director of the popular outlet AbzasMedia, sentenced to 9 years in prison, has lost consciousness due to a hunger strike he began on July 20, his family reports. They say he was placed in solitary confinement as punishment for the hunger strike.
Hasanli demands to be transferred from Umbaqi prison to the Baku detention center, in line with the law. His colleagues Sevinj Vagifgizi, Elnara Gasimova, and Nargiz Absalamova, also sentenced to 7–9 years, have joined the hunger strike in solidarity. The Penitentiary Service has not commented.

● Azerbaijan’s demining agency ANAMA reported an increase in fires in the liberated territories of Karabakh and surrounding regions.
It urged residents and tourists to strictly follow fire safety rules. “In major fires, mines and other explosives may detonate due to high temperatures,” ANAMA warned.

● Trade volume between Azerbaijan and EU countries in the first half of the year increased by 22.6% compared to the same period last year. EU countries accounted for 70.2% of Azerbaijan’s total exports and 12.3% of its imports. The top five EU trade partners of Azerbaijan are: Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Greece, and Spain.

● Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Somalia will deepen cooperation in a trilateral format, said Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at a joint press conference in Baku with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali. Ali stated that within this framework, natural resource exploration will begin, with Azerbaijan among the first countries to engage in drilling in Somalia. In February 2025, Azerbaijan and Somalia signed an MoU on cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

● President Ilham Aliyev expressed condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the crash of an An-24 passenger plane in Russia’s Amur region. All 50 people on board reportedly died.

● Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said: “We respect the choice of Azerbaijan and Armenia to engage in direct dialogue without Russian mediation. They are the ones who have to live side by side. We are still ready to assist in the peace process and provide a platform for consultations and signing of the agreement.”

● The trial of former leaders of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) continues. They are accused of war crimes, terrorism, attempted coup, and other serious offenses. According to Azerbaijan’s state agency AZERTAC, victims testified at the hearing about killings of civilians and torture of prisoners by Armenian military forces. The next session is scheduled for July 25.

● From July 25 to 30, Vietnam Days are being held in Baku. An art and traditional women’s clothing exhibition and sale will be organized in Icherisheher, the Old City of Baku.

● The French Parliament is discussing a resolution urging the French government and the European Union “to increase pressure on Azerbaijan in order to accelerate the signing of a peace agreement with Armenia and ensure the release of Armenian prisoners of war.” Additionally, the authors of the draft law demand that the French government finalize and sign a strategic cooperation agreement with Armenia as soon as possible. The resolution also calls on the EU to “expand political, economic, military, educational, scientific, and cultural cooperation with Armenia.”

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan congratulated Ukraine’s new Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on her appointment.
“Armenia attaches great importance to further expanding and deepening relations with Ukraine. I am confident that with joint efforts, we can unlock the full potential of cooperation between Armenia and Ukraine, especially in trade, economic, and humanitarian areas,” wrote the Prime Minister.

● Armenia has rejected a U.S. proposal to lease a section of road on its territory that would link Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan, said Arman Yeghoyan, a lawmaker from the ruling Civil Contract party. He confirmed that the sides had “exchanged views,” but the talks ended after Armenia’s refusal. “We saw risks not in the implementation of the functions but in the leasing arrangement itself. That could have implied concessions on sovereignty. This option was unacceptable to us,” said Yeghoyan.

The American proposal was seen as a potential solution to the long-standing dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the unblocking of regional communications. Baku demands unimpeded access “from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan.” Yerevan says it is ready to provide the route but with full sovereign control over its own territory. The U.S. suggested leasing the road, in which case an American private company — a third party — would manage it.

● Nikol Pashinyan is on a two-day working visit to Russia. According to the Prime Minister’s office, he will attend an international environmental conference in Altai. There is no information about the conference on the Russian government’s website, but it is reported that Pashinyan met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The official press release merely stated that “they discussed the current state of Armenian-Russian relations and bilateral cooperation, including within the EAEU framework.”

● Further details were shared by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, who said Russia is concerned about “Pashinyan’s unwavering desire to join the European Union.” Overchuk added that Russia is still discussing cooperation with Armenia within the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). “There are some acts adopted by the Armenian government that raise concerns for us.
Specifically, we’re talking about the admission into the EAEU market of food products certified according to EU, U.S., or other foreign standards, which do not comply with EAEU norms. We have expressed our concerns about such issues. Overall, however, Armenia remains committed to working within the EAEU,” he said.

● One of the most discussed topics in Armenian media and social networks is the prolonged standoff between the government and the Church, whose policies many view as pro-Russian – making the conflict political. In Armenia, the Church holds a special place, and recent polls confirm this: the majority of the population trusts the Armenian Apostolic Church, while public trust in the government has been declining. Amid this, Prime Minister Pashinyan has called for the removal of Catholicos Karekin II from office, claiming that the cleric violated his vow of celibacy and has a child. Pashinyan has even devised a plan for how the removal should be carried out. He insists that he is not fighting against the Church but is instead acting out of a need to “renew the Church, the state, and society.”

“The authorities are in a stronger position because they are legitimate and have legal enforcement tools. Therefore, the removal of the Catholicos and new Church elections are more likely than the ousting of the Prime Minister before the 2026 parliamentary elections,” says political analyst Robert Gevondyan. Read more here

● Parliamentary Speaker Alen Simonyan (pictured below) on RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan: “Another vile creature from the freak show, operating today in Russia and constantly meddling in our country’s sovereign affairs. Appealing to her Armenian roots, though she has nothing in common with Armenia or the Armenian people except for a last name ending in ‘-yan,’ she regularly pops up in the media space, insults Armenia’s leadership, calls for protests in our country, incites regime change, spreads lies, and simultaneously threatens our country and people. It feels like the freak show mentioned above has launched an Olympics under the slogan: ‘Who can be more deceitful, more vile, more disgraceful.’ And Simonyan is competing for another gold medal. All this is yet another manifestation of the hybrid war being waged against our country.”

● “The Armenian government has the right to appeal to a domestic court to first recognize the arbitrator’s decision before it becomes binding,” said Justice Minister Grigor Minasyan, commenting on the ruling by the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce regarding the Electric Networks of Armenia. This strategically important company belongs to Russian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, who was arrested in Yerevan for publicly calling for the seizure of power. The Stockholm arbitration ordered the Armenian government to “refrain from applying legislative amendments aimed at nationalizing the company or taking further steps toward its confiscation.”

Meanwhile, the Armenian parliament has already passed amendments allowing for the nationalization of the company. This followed complaints by the public about the company’s performance, according to the Prime Minister. The Justice Minister added that “under national legislation, the enforcement of an arbitral award may be refused if it contradicts public order.”

● Natural gas deliveries from Russia to Armenia have been temporarily suspended. Gazprom Armenia reports that “emergency repair work is underway on Georgian territory,” and gas supplies will resume in the evening of July 26. The company assures that there is no reason for concern: “Uninterrupted gas supply will be ensured through internal reserves and additional volumes of natural gas from Iran.”

● Head of RFE/RL’s European Bureau Ricard Jozwiak did not rule out that the issue of suspending Georgia’s visa-free regime with Schengen countries will be discussed in various formats. According to him, the European Council will return to the visa liberalization issue in October. He noted that the Georgian government should take seriously the Council’s letter, which clearly outlines the recommendations that must be fulfilled by then. Jozwiak also said the issue may be discussed at the UN General Assembly. Read more about the recommendations here.

● Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze: “Visa liberalization is the only tangible benefit for Georgian society from the EU integration process. If they take away this one benefit, they will have nothing left to ‘trade’ with Georgia. If their goal is to trigger a revolution in this country, they won’t succeed.”

● Kobakhidze: “European funds have become a major tool for financing radicalism and revolutionary tendencies in Georgia. Unfortunately, this is reflected in resolutions adopted by the European Parliament. There have already been seven of them, and each is clearly biased. The EU’s demand to release individuals arrested for criminal offenses is both unclear and unacceptable. We need stability, the rule of law, and prosperity in our country. It’s disheartening to see these principles violated in EU documents. Our society rejects this approach, and as a result, trust in European institutions has dropped sharply.”

● OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said it is still waiting for Georgian Dream’s consent to begin monitoring trials of detained protest participants. The organization made this proposal earlier this year but has yet to receive a response.

● Georgian Dream MP Mikheil Kavelashvili, currently acting president, again invited opposition leaders sentenced to eight months in prison to request a pardon and take part in October’s municipal elections. Earlier, they rejected this proposal.

● Fifth president Salome Zourabichvili: “I had an in-depth conversation with Germany’s State Minister for European Affairs, Günter Krichbaum. He expressed firm support for the Georgian people and emphasized that Georgia is at a critical crossroads — only its citizens can defend the country’s European path.”

● Uzbekistan expressed interest in participating in the development of Georgia’s deep-sea port in Anaklia (pictured below). This came during a meeting in Tashkent between Georgian Dream’s Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov. They focused on transporting Uzbek goods through Georgia’s transit corridor. Kudratov also showed interest in exporting “green” energy to the EU and taking part in the Black Sea underwater cable project. Cooperation prospects were also discussed in technology, agriculture, tourism, and civil aviation. More details about the Anaklia port and the scandals surrounding it can be found here

● Former Defense Minister Levan Izoria was questioned by the Prosecutor’s Office over the installation of a checkpoint near the village of Chorchana in the Georgia–South Ossetia conflict zone in August 2019. Georgian Dream claims the decision led to serious escalation, loss of control over additional territory, and risks to locals. The then-Interior Minister, now opposition leader Giorgi Gakharia, is being blamed for the decision. Izoria said he had no knowledge of the checkpoint until media reported on it and that the issue was never discussed in government or Security Council meetings.

● The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported the arrest of an aviation security inspector accused of stealing gold from a passenger while on duty. The offense carries a prison sentence of 3 to 5 years.

● The Armenian government has denied a publication by the Spanish outlet Periodista Digital, which claimed that Armenia had allegedly agreed to transfer control of the so-called “Zangezur corridor” to an American company. The article included sensational claims, citing unnamed sources: the 42-kilometer corridor would be named the “Trump Bridge,” and the managing American private company would receive 40% of the revenue, while Armenia would get only 30%. The road would connect mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave. Baku is demanding unrestricted access from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan. Yerevan maintains it is ready to provide a road but will not give up control over its sovereign territory. In its response, the Armenian government stated that its position remains unchanged and that unblocking communications under a “corridor logic” is not up for discussion. The Periodista Digital article was described as “yet another example of manipulative propaganda” published by a “dubious website.”

● As a resolution to the longstanding dispute over transportation routes, Washington did indeed propose that the road be managed by an American company. However, according to Yerevan, no agreement has been reached. “Can I say there is already an agreement? I cannot. Could there be one? Possibly,” said Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a press conference. He emphasized that any solution that does not respect Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction would not be considered. Read more here

● 87 members of the US House of Representatives addressed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging him to “engage all parties to the conflict in discussions on the safe return of Karabakh Armenians to their homeland in Nagorno-Karabakh.” They stressed that their proposal fully complies with international law. The letter was signed by lawmakers from 24 US states — both Republicans and Democrats. “We look forward to your response and to working with you to achieve a just, lasting, and dignified peace in the region,” the letter states.

● The Armenian Prime Minister’s Office announced that Nikol Pashinyan is departing for a working visit to Russia. He will participate in an international environmental conference to be held in Altai. No further details were provided.

● The Armenian government commented with reservations on the international Stockholm arbitration decision regarding the Electric Networks of Armenia company, stating: “We respect the ruling of the tribunal, but this matter must also be considered in light of Armenian law.” The strategically important company is owned by Russian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, who is under arrest for allegedly calling for the overthrow of the government. Authorities have announced plans to nationalize the company. The Stockholm tribunal ordered the Armenian government to “refrain from implementing legal amendments aimed at nationalizing the company or taking further steps toward confiscation.” It also barred changes to the management structure. However, the authorities have already appointed a temporary administrator. The government stated this was done to “prevent the risk of a deliberate energy crisis, eliminate potential threats to national security, and avoid or address potential misuse.”

Parliament has already passed legal amendments enabling nationalization, following the Prime Minister’s claim that citizens frequently complain to him about the company’s services. “The company almost triggered an energy crisis in Armenia. My assessment is that all this was done to provoke internal unrest in the country,” Pashinyan stated.

● A group of lawyers representing Archbishop Mikael Adjapahyan, who was arrested for allegedly inciting the overthrow of the government, announced that the preliminary investigation has concluded. The case will now proceed to the prosecutor’s indictment phase before going to trial. The lawyers also noted that the prison authorities granted permission for Adjapahyan to attend a liturgy for the Feast of the Transfiguration this Sunday. The service will be held in the detention center by its chaplain. The same permission was granted to Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, who is detained in the same cell and is charged with plotting terrorist attacks and a coup. According to the defense team, both clergy members report no complaints about their conditions or treatment in detention. (Photo below shows both archbishops.)

● The prime minister continues to demand that the Catholicos of All Armenians step down. Pashinyan described this demand as part of a “renewal agenda for the Church, and through it, the state and society.” He proposed a specific “program” for how this should be done. Since he accuses Catholicos Karekin II of violating his vow of celibacy, he suggested appointing a “married, respectable priest” as acting Catholicos. Another of Pashinyan’s key points is that all candidates for the next Catholicos must undergo integrity checks. “Society has the right to full accountability from its religious, state, and political leaders — both in private and public life. Anyone who is not confident in that should not seek spiritual or political leadership,” Pashinyan wrote on social media.

●  The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and the American company Emerson Electric Co. discussed potential cooperation in renewable energy projects. A meeting took place in Baku between SOCAR’s president and Emerson’s head for the European region. Topics included digitalization and automation of the oil and gas industry, emission reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable technologies.

●  The Chiefs of General Staff of Azerbaijan and Italy met in Baku to explore ways to deepen military cooperation. No further details were disclosed.

●  In Istanbul, Azerbaijan’s defense minister met with the chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee to discuss prospects for expanding bilateral military cooperation.

●  Sevinj Vagifgizi, editor of AbzasMedia, sentenced to 9 years in prison, and journalists Elnara Gasimova and Nargiz Absalamova (each sentenced to 8 years), are reportedly facing inhumane treatment in custody due to their hunger strike. Their relatives claim they are supporting AbzasMedia director Ulvi Hasanli, who began a hunger strike on July 20 to protest his unlawful transfer to prison instead of remaining in pre-trial detention. The journalists were placed in dirty, poorly ventilated solitary cells without showers. Nargiz Absalamova was allegedly assaulted by a deputy warden for refusing to leave her room. The penitentiary service has not commented.

●  The Baku Serious Crimes Court continued hearings in the espionage case against Martin Ryan (accused of spying for France) and Azad Mammadli (accused of treason). According to the pro-government outlet Report, Ryan testified that secret meetings were held under the cover of the Baku Francophonie Association’s cultural events, allegedly involving French intelligence officers, embassy staff, and Mammadli. The meetings focused on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and included interest in Mammadli’s MGIMO classmates. Authorities also claim phone conversations were intercepted between Ryan, Mammadli, and French agents. The next hearing is set for September 8.

●  Azerbaijan’s Supreme Court rejected the appeal of opposition leader Ali Karimli (chair of the Popular Front Party), who sought to overturn a defamation conviction. In December, Karimli was fined 1,500 manats (around $880) based on a complaint from a former party member. Karimli’s lawyer plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

●  US Congressman Chris Smith (Republican) called for the unconditional release of economist Gubad Ibadoghlu, who is under house arrest after facing charges of producing and distributing counterfeit money — accusations he denies as politically motivated. Smith urged Secretary of State Rubio to consider Magnitsky sanctions against those responsible for Ibadoghlu’s detention, saying his release should be a top priority for the Trump administration’s Caucasus peace efforts.

●  The Armenian government denied a report by Spanish outlet Periodista Digital that Yerevan and Washington signed a memorandum on the Zangezur Corridor — a potential transport route connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenia. The report claimed Armenia agreed to allow a US company to manage a 42-km section of the route. Armenian authorities called the report “disinformation and manipulative propaganda published by a dubious site.”

●  The Media Development Agency (MEDIA) warned about widespread fake social media posts falsely attributed to high-ranking Azerbaijani officials. “These videos are deepfakes and a blatant example of manipulation. We urge the public to trust only official sources,” the statement said.

●  Azerbaijan has launched a large-scale amnesty for nearly 100,000 illegal homes, allowing owners to legalize their properties. Land from former Soviet-era collective farms and agricultural enterprises will also be officially registered. The head of the State Cadastre Service, Nigyar Alimova, said this presidential decree addresses decades-old problems.

●  A court has frozen the bank accounts of the opposition party “Droa” and its leader Elene Khoshtaria. The party’s account was seized over an unpaid court fee of 50 lari (about \$18). Khoshtaria’s personal account was frozen, reportedly due to a 4,000 lari fine (around \$1,460) related to her public statements — including calling police officers “slaves.” Neither Khoshtaria nor the party recognize the court’s ruling and say they will not pay.

●  The opposition party “For the People,” led by Ana Dolidze, will announce its decision on whether to participate in the 2025 municipal elections on July 24. Media reports have suggested the party plans to run, despite a wider opposition boycott. Most opposition groups refuse to recognize the results of the 2024 parliamentary elections and argue that participation would legitimize the ruling party and the outcome.

●  “Show him a map — I’m sure he wouldn’t even be able to point to Georgia. He probably thinks it’s a U.S. state,” said Tbilisi mayor and Georgian Dream secretary general Kakha Kaladze, commenting on reports that U.S. congressman Joe Wilson — co-author of the MEGOBARI Act, which proposes tough sanctions against Georgian Dream — had received donations from members of the opposition United National Movement as part of its lobbying campaign in Washington. “We’ve heard inappropriate remarks about Georgia. He’s just repeating what’s written for him — for money,” Kaladze claimed.

●  UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty issued a strong statement: “I am deeply concerned by the growing repression of opposition voices, civil society, and independent media by the Georgian Dream government. I have consistently raised concerns about repressive laws targeting civil society and peaceful protestors. We have downgraded bilateral cooperation and are reviewing all available options for further response. We urge Georgian Dream to change course and engage in an inclusive national dialogue about Georgia’s future.”

●  Giorgi Bachiasvili, who was severely beaten in a Georgian prison, remains in critical condition. According to his mother, Marina Ramazashvili, he is now in a wheelchair, with stitches on his head and visible bite marks. “The lawyer said it’s hard to believe a human being could bite like that. I haven’t seen any photos or footage — and I don’t expect to. If they publish them, everything will be obvious. Did Giorgi attack someone?” she said. Ramazashvili also claims she has been banned from contacting her son and only receives information via lawyers. Bachiasvili, once an advisor to Bidzina Ivanishvili and later a fierce critic, is accused of embezzling \$42.7 million allegedly invested in cryptocurrency by Ivanishvili. He fled the country, was arrested abroad, and forcibly returned to Georgia. He says he was beaten in prison to extract access to his bank and crypto accounts. The penitentiary service claims it was merely a “domestic conflict between inmates.”

●  Next round of international Syria talks to be held in Baku, Saudi TV channel Al-Hadath reported, citing its sources. It also mentioned an upcoming visit by an Israeli delegation to Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Al Arabiya reported the resumption of security communication channels between Israel and Syria, mediated by the U.S. and supported by Turkey. According to the report, Turkey and Syria are discussing the status of Kurdish, Druze, and Alawite minorities, as well as broader regional understanding that includes Israel’s role. It was previously reported that top officials from the U.S., Israel, and Syria would meet on July 24 to discuss southern Syria security issues — the location was not disclosed. Past meetings between Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and Syrian FM Asaad al-Shibani reportedly took place in Baku, according to pro-government outlet Report.

●  Azerbaijani outlet Minval published photos of Russian soldiers allegedly involved in the downing of a Baku–Grozny flight in December last year, which killed 38 people. Minval claims the order to shoot was given by Russian air defense under Major General Tolopilo, who has not faced prosecution. “Minval Politika’s editor-in-chief Emil Mustafayev said they are ready to hand over all gathered materials to Azerbaijan’s investigative authorities,” the outlet reported. Baku demands Russia admit guilt, apologize, and pay compensation. A few days ago, President Ilham Aliyev reiterated these demands and announced that Azerbaijan will file an international lawsuit against Russia.

●  President Ilham Aliyev congratulated journalists on the 150th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s national press. “Our media must place national interests above all,” he said. At the same time, Aliyev insisted that “the independence of the Azerbaijani press is a key condition for the country’s development.” He emphasized the media’s role in “countering mass disinformation attacks” and promoting “true patriotism and solidarity in voicing our just stance to the international community.” He also said that the information victory during the 44-day Patriotic War and recent anti-terror operations was an integral part of the overall battlefield success, the 5th anniversary of which will be celebrated this year.

●  A new motion has been filed in Baku’s Serious Crimes Court requesting the release of Toplum TV founder Alesker Mamedli and journalist Farid Ismailov from house arrest. Like other detained journalists, they are accused of smuggling — allegations they deny, claiming political persecution for critical reporting. Lawyer Zibeyda Sadigova highlighted Ismailov’s seven surgeries, mostly related to lung and heart issues, and said he receives no treatment in prison other than medications from home. Mamedli’s lawyer noted he is a respected public intellectual, a recipient of the Zardabi Award, and that over 20 public and political figures have petitioned for his release. He also suffers from a growing throat tumor. The prosecutor opposed the motion. The judges denied the request but promised to seek full medical records for both detainees.

●  Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov visited Tbilisi, meeting with PM Irakli Kobakhidze, President Mikheil Kavelashvili, and Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. Discussions focused on joint infrastructure and energy projects related to the Middle Corridor connecting Central Asia and Europe, as well as the growing trade volume between the two countries. Peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia were also discussed. Kobakhidze reaffirmed Georgia’s readiness to help ensure peace and stability in the region. Both sides stressed mutual support for territorial integrity.

●  Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev visited Istanbul, where he was received at the presidential palace by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Turkish Supreme Court Prosecutor Muhsin Şentürk also attended.

●  Azerbaijan and Turkey’s defense ministers met in Istanbul and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on enhancing bilateral military security.

●  A major wildfire in the Aghdam and Aghdara regions is being complicated by landmine explosions. These areas were liberated during the Second Karabakh War and remain heavily mined. The Emergency Situations Ministry said dry grass and bushes are currently burning, and around 50 firefighters with specialized equipment are working to prevent the fire from spreading to forests.

●  The trial of former PM of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Ruben Vardanyan, is ongoing in Baku. He is accused of torture, mercenarism, war crimes, terrorism, and financing terrorism, among other charges. Vardanyan claimed the translators used during the investigation were unprofessional and protested the February 25 hearing protocols. The court rejected his complaints, stating that no evidence was provided. It added that objections must be submitted in writing with clear arguments. The session also heard testimonies from victims and witnesses of Armenian-perpetrated violence in the early 1990s, according to Report. The next hearing is scheduled for July 29.

●  The Azerbaijan Anti-Torture Committee conducted a monitoring visit to detention centers under the State Security Service, where ethnic Armenian detainees and others accused of war crimes are held. According to Chairman Tural Huseynov, no complaints were received. He reported that cells are equipped with TVs and radios, detainees have access to lawyers, can call family twice a week, and receive home-cooked food. Facilities include a gym, library, proper ventilation, and individual bathrooms, and daily outdoor time is provided.

●  Former Armenian president Levon Ter-Petrosyan has called on the authorities to cancel the rally scheduled for July 27 at the Catholicos’ residence in Etchmiadzin and immediately release archbishops Bagrat Galstanyan, Mikael Adjapahyan, and businessman Samvel Karapetyan, who were arrested on charges of plotting a coup. “This is the only way to reduce internal tension. Such a step would not damage the prime minister’s authority but rather present him as a mature statesman,” the statement reads.

●  The Armenian Apostolic Church also urged the government to cancel the event, calling it “an encroachment on a sacred institution. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly demanded the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II, accusing him of breaking the vow of celibacy. Pashinyan insists he is not fighting the church, but its “corrupt representatives,” and promises to remove the Catholicos just as President Serzh Sargsyan was ousted in the 2018 velvet revolution.

●  In response, the “Hayakve” movement announced a round-the-clock vigil at the Catholicos’ residence. Its coordinator Avetik Chalabyan stated: “The church, like any institution, may have internal issues, but it must resolve them independently. External interference could lead to tragic consequences.”

●  Prominent businessman and leader of the “Prosperous Armenia” party Gagik Tsarukyan was questioned in the anti-corruption court. Investigators allege he and Sedrak Arustamyan, head of his “Multi Group” holding, engaged in voter bribery ahead of the 2017 parliamentary elections. Tsarukyan denies all charges: “110 investigators questioned 2,700 witnesses — no one said Tsarukyan paid money. It’s impossible.” He claims the case has harmed his businesses and plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

●  Deputy PM Mher Grigoryan met with US ambassador Kristina Kvien to discuss regional issues. Analysts believe the conversation may have touched on reopening the transport route between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan. Washington proposes that the corridor be overseen by a private American or Armenian-American company — a potential compromise in the ongoing dispute between Yerevan and Baku. Azerbaijan demands unimpeded access through Armenian territory; Armenia says it’s ready to provide a road but won’t give up sovereignty.

●  Opposition politician Ruben Hakobyan, jailed for inciting overthrow of the government, sent a letter from detention, calling the case politically motivated and challenging PM Pashinyan to a televised debate “to expose his betrayal.” Hakobyan, a member of the “Dashnaktsutyun” party, was arrested after publicly stating: “These authorities must be removed at any cost. We need an uprising, we need suicide squads to drive them out.”

●  Pashinyan’s approval is falling. A new IRI poll shows only 13% trust the prime minister (down from 16% in 2023), though he remains Armenia’s most popular politician. He is followed by foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan (5%) and former president Robert Kocharyan (4%).

Other findings:
• 49% believe Armenia is on the wrong track;
• 49% support EU membership;
• The army and church are the most trusted institutions;
• The ruling party’s rating continues to decline.

●  Former Yerevan mayor and ex-transport minister Gagik Beglaryan has been charged with money laundering and misappropriating over $6 million in city property.

●  Former deputy PM Armen Gevorgyan, now an MP from the opposition “Hayastan” bloc, has been summoned for questioning in a case of alleged illicit enrichment. His family members have also been called in. No details have been disclosed so far.

● In his article, Rikard Jozwiak, editor of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Brussels bureau, reported that eight EU member states, led by Italy, opposed suspending the visa-free regime with Georgia, stating that such a move would harm the entire population and would be a disproportionate measure. He wrote that the ultimatum issued by EU foreign ministers to Georgian Dream — to meet a list of democratization and human rights demands by August 31 or face consequences, including the cancellation of visa-free travel — should not be seen as serious. “From the outset, it was clear that proposals such as freezing the assets of ruling party members or denying visas to two Georgian judges were not under serious consideration. Hungary and Slovakia made it clear they would not support such measures. Everything indicates that no restrictive measures should be expected in the near future,” Jozwiak wrote.

He also notes that the EU has not launched the procedure to review the Association Agreement with Georgia, which could lead to a suspension in trade. “The question is how effective such a measure would be, given that imports from Georgia under the free trade agreement amount to only around 200 million euros. Some EU member states have raised this issue, and there is a chance that ministers will return to it at their official meeting in October,” Jozwiak writes.

● Prime Minister from Georgian Dream Irakli Kobakhidze made a statement about disinformation campaigns, which he claims are being carried out in both international and local political circles. “They use the label ‘pro-Russian’ to discredit political forces that do not serve their agenda. It’s a classic tactic, the hallmark of the ‘deep state’. The same scenario is applied in different countries. That’s how Georgian Dream is being accused. They are trying to portray Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as pro-Russian too, even though such tendencies are not present in his country.”

●  Irakli Kobakhidze discussed peace and stability in the South Caucasus during a meeting with Armenian Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan, who is visiting Georgia. Georgian Dream’s Interior Minister Gela Geladze also attended. Hope was expressed for the swift signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “The Georgian government is ready to continue supporting dialogue between Baku and Yerevan,” Kobakhidze said.

●  Georgian Dream’s Minister of Economy Mariam Kvrivishvili is visiting Kazakhstan. During meetings with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov, the “strategic importance of Georgia in diversifying Kazakhstan’s oil supply routes” was emphasized, according to local media. “In 2024, 1.4 million tons of Kazakh oil were transported via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, and this year we plan to increase that to 1.5 million tons,” said Akkenzhenov. The use of Batumi Sea Port and Batumi Oil Terminal for regional logistics, as well as green energy projects, were discussed. A key initiative mentioned was the possible merging of two major projects: the Trans-Caspian Energy Corridor (being implemented by Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan) and Georgia’s Black Sea high-voltage cable project. “Kazakhstan and Georgia are interested in creating a unified energy artery connecting Central Asia with Europe,” local media reported.

●  During meetings in Astana, the two countries’ cooperation in tourism and aviation was positively assessed. Last year, Kazakhstan ranked sixth among countries whose citizens most frequently visited Georgia — a 17% increase compared to the previous year. Currently, there are 55 weekly flights between Georgia and Kazakhstan.

●  The Revenue Service has requested the seizure of property belonging to the independent outlet Batumelebi over unpaid taxes amounting to 47,000 lari (around $17,000). The editorial team believes this is an act of pressure on Batumelebi’s founder and director, Mzia Amaghlobeli, who is currently in pretrial detention. She was arrested after striking a police officer who had insulted her during a protest in January. If convicted, she faces up to 7 years in prison. Social media users are pointing out the unequal treatment: pro-government TV channels reportedly owe hundreds of millions of lari in taxes, yet no measures are being taken against them.

In recent months, Georgia has seen a sharp decline in media freedom. International observers have voiced concern over political pressure on journalists, criminal cases against protest participants, and the arrest of opposition leaders.

●  The lawyer of imprisoned businessman Giorgi Bachiashvili, former financier of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili (widely seen as Georgia’s shadow ruler), has requested that his client be recognized as a victim and that a proper investigation be conducted after he was beaten by a cellmate. The lawyer is also requesting his transfer to another detention facility. Bachiashvili claims the beating was an attempt to intimidate him into signing papers relinquishing his property and bank accounts.

●  The State Grants Agency has announced a public competition for local civil society organizations. The state budget allocates 20 million lari (over $7 million) for this purpose. In the first phase, small grants will be issued, with each not exceeding 100,000 lari (about $37,000). A recently adopted “Law on Grants” effectively banned local NGOs from receiving foreign funding . Read more here

●  The 126th meeting under the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) was held in the village of Ergneti in Gori District, in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone, with participation from European and Russian representatives. Recent incidents were discussed. “Representatives of Georgia’s State Security Service once again demanded the punishment of Russian occupation forces responsible for the killing of Georgian citizen Tamaz Ginturi in 2023. They also demanded the release of all Georgian citizens illegally detained by Russian forces. The illegal ‘borderization’ along the occupation line was condemned. Humanitarian issues faced by the local population near the occupation line were discussed, with particular focus on freedom of movement,” the SSSG stated.

●  “Armenia has never discussed, is not discussing, and will not discuss with anyone the terminology voiced by the President of Azerbaijan (‘unimpeded access from Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenian territory’) and the logic stemming from it,” said Nazeli Baghdasaryan, spokesperson for the Armenian Prime Minister. Responding to a statement by Ilham Aliyev, she told Armenpress that Aliyev’s demand that Armenia “must ensure unimpeded and safe access from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan” essentially implies uncontrolled transit. Armenian authorities have long stated their readiness to unblock roads but categorically reject losing control over their own territory. “The Azerbaijani president’s claim that Azerbaijani citizens should not encounter Armenian border control goes beyond the framework of the discussions that have taken place. In essence, it is a covert territorial claim against Armenia. It is unacceptable and contradicts the agreements already reached,” Baghdasaryan said.

More on Armenia’s position here

More on the Azerbaijani president’s statements here

●  Iranian Foreign Ministry representative Esmail Baghaei also responded to the Azerbaijani president’s statements, stressing that the unblocking of regional communications must not violate borders. “We support enhanced cooperation among regional countries, but we have always emphasized that new transport routes must not infringe upon the territorial integrity of any country, its internationally recognized borders, or result in geopolitical changes in the region,” Baghaei said.

●  Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan of Armenia and her Georgian counterpart Gela Geladze signed a readmission agreement to return their citizens residing illegally in the neighboring country. This means Armenia and Georgia will take back their nationals deported from the other’s territory.

●  The process of nationalizing the “Electric Networks of Armenia” company continues. The company belongs to Russian dollar billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, who has been under arrest since June 18 for publicly calling for the seizure of power.
State-appointed interim manager Romanos Petrosyan took office on July 21 and immediately announced the dismissal of acting CEO David Gazinyan, saying “he is one of those responsible for the company’s dire condition.” Petrosyan also announced an audit to identify all existing problems and suggested that electricity tariffs might decrease, but warned that rates will be set based on objective indicators. “I rule out any manipulation or corruption in my tenure,” Petrosyan said. The Armenian parliament has already passed legislation allowing for the nationalization of strategic enterprises such as the Electric Networks of Armenia.

●  Meanwhile, Samvel Karapetyan published an opinion piece titled “What the Current Authorities Have Achieved,” written while in detention. “They betrayed national values and yielded everything to the adversary in exchange for a vague promise of peace — a worthless piece of paper — simply to deceive the public before elections by saying: ‘Look, I brought peace.’ Everyone in Armenia wants peace, but real, dignified, and lasting peace — not a symbolic document alongside constant threats and humiliation. […] We will restore a balance of interests in the region. Transit routes will remain Armenia’s sovereign territory and contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to its budget — not to another, even friendly, country,” Karapetyan wrote.

●  Fact-checking platform FIP.AM noted increased activity of fake social media accounts supporting Karapetyan after his arrest. Experts report hundreds of identical or nearly identical comments posted in Facebook media groups and pages with large audiences, often shortly after news articles are published.

●  The Sevan Startup Summit 2025, one of Armenia’s most anticipated tech events, has officially started (pictured below). This year, it is co-funded by the government. Through July 26, startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and tech professionals from various countries will discuss innovative ideas and potential collaborations. The goal of this annual event is to find new solutions for developing the business environment and promoting economic growth.

●  Dates for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP17 in Armenia have been announced: October 18–30, 2026.
“This is a unique opportunity for our country to actively participate and take the lead in shaping global environmental decisions,” said Environment Minister Ambartsum Matevosyan.

●  The Armenian Apostolic Church has urged authorities to stop what it calls a planned attack on the Church announced by PM Nikol Pashinyan. Clergy warn that Pashinyan intends to stage a rally against the Holy See with his supporters. “We condemn this act of aggression and violence as a direct intervention in the Church’s self-governance,” they said, urging the ruling party to stop the anti-Church campaign.

Pashinyan has long accused the Catholicos of violating his vow of celibacy and fathering a child, and demands he step down. Despite this, Pashinyan claims he sees the Church as sacred and is fighting to protect it from being tarnished. In his most recent post, he wrote: “Prepare for a great spiritual gathering at Etchmiadzin’s central square,” leading to speculation he may hold the rally on July 27, the Feast of the Transfiguration. Pashinyan has previously stated his intent to remove the Catholicos similarly to how he ousted former President Serzh Sargsyan – through “velvet revolution” style protests.

●  Second-grader Ani Melikyan of the Tchaikovsky Specialized Music School has won first prize at the Grand Prize Virtuoso international music competition in Salzburg. She performed “Barcarolle” by modern Armenian composer Aram Satyan.
This is not her first win — the 8-year-old pianist has already earned awards at international competitions in France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Serbia, Poland, and the UK.

●  US President Donald Trump published on his Truth Social page an excerpt from the Azerbaijani president’s speech at the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum. Ilham Aliyev said: “I didn’t predict Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election. I said we would prefer him to lead the United States. He prioritizes the same values as the people of Azerbaijan, including family values. He is the only US president who hasn’t started any wars. He seeks to end wars. We are grateful for his efforts to help Azerbaijan and Armenia eventually reach an agreement. He is focused on broader issues of international security, but also keeps the South Caucasus situation in sight. We in Azerbaijan are glad he won, for many reasons. And of course, we wish him success in finishing the job—especially when it comes to draining the \[Washington] swamp completely.”

●  Azerbaijan is marking the 150th anniversary of its national press. On this occasion, President Ilham Aliyev awarded medals and honorary titles to the heads of Baku TV, Oxu.Az, Caliber, Baku.ws, and Report.

●  Chairman of Azerbaijan’s Central Bank Taleh Kazimov discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation with an International Monetary Fund delegation during a meeting in Baku, according to Report.

●  Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov is visiting North Macedonia. The agenda includes discussions on partnership in energy, trade, and investment.

●  The Media Development Agency (MEDIA) warned about fake videos circulating on social media, allegedly featuring presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev and Deputy Prime Minister Yagub Eyyubov. “These are deep fakes showing officials speaking about Azerbaijan’s supposedly ‘aggressive policy towards Russia,’ which is completely false,” MEDIA said. The agency urged the public to remain vigilant and rely only on official information.

●  A verdict is expected today in the case of activist Nijat Ibrahim, accused of stabbing a local resident. He denies the charge and claims political persecution. The prosecution has requested a 9-year prison sentence. At the July 21 court hearing, the prosecutor stated the case had been proven. Ibrahim and his lawyer objected to ending the trial and demanded video footage from the scene be shown in court. The activist says he didn’t stab anyone and was instead attacked, thrown to the ground, and framed. Police officers quickly arrived and violently detained him. Nijat Ibrahim has been in prison since September 9 last year. A week before his arrest, he had tried to leave the country with his family but was prevented from doing so. He then called the emergency line of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and said he would take his own life in front of the ministry building if not allowed to leave. Back in July 2020, Ibrahim was arrested ahead of a protest demanding Ilham Aliyev’s resignation and sentenced to 1 year and 3 months for allegedly spreading COVID-19.

In recent years, several Azerbaijani political and civil activists have been arrested on charges of street stabbings. Among them are former diplomat Emin Ibrahimov, Popular Front Party members Zamin Salaev and Kenan Zeynalov, “Ishchi Massasy” union leader Afiaddin Mammadov, and “Yoldash Media” founder Ahmed Mammadli. All deny the charges.

●  Another group of displaced families has returned to the rebuilt city of Jabrayil as part of the government’s “Great Return” program. “Families who spent years living in dormitories, sanatoriums, and public buildings across the country are moving into new homes built in their native region, liberated from 30 years of Armenian occupation,” the pro-government outlet Report writes. This time, 53 families (198 people) moved from temporary housing in Baku’s Garadagh district to Jabrayil. According to reports, around 50,000 people have resettled in Karabakh and East Zangezur to date.

●  The trial of former leaders of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic continues. They are accused of war crimes, terrorism, attempting to overthrow the state, and other serious offenses. According to the state agency AZERTAC, victims’ testimonies were heard in the latest session. Dozens of witnesses described the killing of Azerbaijani civilians and abuse of prisoners by Armenian forces during the First Karabakh War in the early 1990s. The trial will continue on July 24.

●  A new statement from the European Parliament was published on X: “Georgia cannot join the EU until its government changes its authoritarian course. The European Parliament stands with the Georgian people. Parliament does not recognise Georgia’s current government and says the country’s EU path is effectively suspended until fair elections take place.” On July 9, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Georgia, urging EU member states to consider additional restrictive measures beyond current sanctions, including cutting access to SWIFT and imposing sanctions aimed at “shutting down revenue sources of the Georgian Dream regime.”

●  EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski: “The Georgian authorities have time until the end of August to respond and take action. Ending repression, releasing those unjustly detained, repealing repressive laws, and ensuring open dialogue is the only way to resolve the current crisis and return Georgia to its EU path. There is a risk that the most tangible benefit of European integration – visa-free travel for all Georgian citizens – will soon be lost. Such a decision does not require unanimity among all EU member states; a qualified majority is enough (15 out of 27 member states representing at least 65% of the EU population).

March 28, 2017, was the first day Georgian citizens could travel to the Schengen Area without a visa. It was the Georgian Dream government that proudly celebrated this milestone. It was a truly historic day and recognition of the progress Georgia had made. Unfortunately, especially after Georgia officially became an EU candidate country in December 2023, the Georgian authorities have taken steps that reversed democratic progress despite repeated EU calls to change course.

As for Georgian Dream’s claims that the EU is “blackmailing” Georgia by offering a “choice between visa-free travel and peace and stability,” and the comparison of Brussels to Soviet-era Moscow, all I can say is that one of the reasons Georgia moved closer to the EU – including the visa-free regime – was precisely the recognition of that difference. I hope Georgian citizens can make their own judgments,” Herczynski said.

●  Georgian Dream Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili condemned the EU for “still not apologising for its false statements regarding Mikheil Saakashvili,” the former Georgian president sentenced to 12 years in prison. “Brussels tried to secure his release by claiming he supposedly ‘suffers from dementia.’ These attacks went on for about two years – targeting Georgian courts, the Justice Ministry, and Parliament. Some NGOs funded from Brussels distributed fake medical reports, claiming ‘the government wants to kill Saakashvili on Russia’s orders.’ The Strasbourg court put an end to this issue. Saakashvili became the first person in the world to recover from dementia. But has anyone heard an apology from Brussels or its ambassador? No. In the end, these false accusations laid the foundation for the lies being spread today against Georgia’s leadership,” Papuashvili wrote on Facebook.

●  In the first half of the year, Georgian businessmen donated nearly 7 million lari (around \$2.5 million) to the ruling Georgian Dream party. Many of them are connected to the coastal Adjara region or do business there. This was reported by local media citing open sources.

●   TV Pirveli claims it has identified the prisoner who severely beat former adviser to Bidzina Ivanishvili (seen as Georgia’s shadow ruler), Giorgi Bachiashvili, in prison, leaving him in a wheelchair. The attacker is named as 28-year-old Kaha Metreveli. Journalists allege he is linked to criminal circles, had served almost his entire 10-year sentence, and was due for release in August, but is now in a prison hospital. Bachiashvili co-founded an investment fund with Ivanishvili but later became a harsh critic. He was accused of embezzling \$42.7 million in crypto investments belonging to Ivanishvili. He fled the country but was detained and forcibly brought back to Tbilisi. Bachiashvili claims he was beaten to force him to give access to his bank and crypto accounts. The Justice Ministry and penitentiary service have not commented. The official version calls it a routine prisoner conflict. Read more here

●  Tbilisi in global cost-of-living rankings: According to the international price analysis platform Numbeo, living in Tbilisi is more expensive than in Baku, Minsk, or Kyiv, but cheaper than in Yerevan, Istanbul, Belgrade, or Moscow. The portal estimates an individual in Tbilisi needs about \$630 per month to live, excluding rent if they already have housing.

●  The animal monitoring agency has denied reports circulating in the media and social networks about a rabies vaccine shortage in Tbilisi. It said citizens can still have their animals vaccinated at the municipal shelter.

Pro-European march in Tbilisi. For almost eight months, mass protests have continued with demands for new fair parliamentary elections and the release of all arrested protest participants:

●  The 3rd Global Media Forum is taking place in Karabakh. Its theme is “Digital Transitions: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” Around 140 foreign guests from 52 countries are attending, including representatives of over 30 news agencies.

●  Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke at the opening in Khankendi. The session was moderated by Euronews Middle East bureau chief Jane Witherspoon. Aliyev’s discussion with journalists lasted nearly three hours. Key points:

• Investment in transport and logistics: Billions of dollars have been invested; Azerbaijan built the largest international trade port on the Caspian Sea and a railway connecting it to Turkey via Georgia. There is also ongoing digitization and simplified customs processes—partly due to shifting regional geopolitics.
• Zangezur Corridor: This proposed land route would connect Azerbaijan to its exclave, Nakhchivan, via Armenian territory. This proposed land route would connect Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenian territory. Yerevan insists on retaining control over its section, while Baku demands an extraterritorial corridor with no checks on the Armenian side. Aliyev said Azerbaijan will complete its railway segment by spring 2026 and expects 15 million tons of cargo at the initial stage.
• On the alleged plan to lease the Zangezur Corridor to an American company: “There will be no operator, no lease, no rental on our territory. We are doing everything ourselves. What Armenia wants to do – I don’t know. They invited so-called European observers, who are actually a group of well-trained spies. They spied on us and, by the way, recently also spied on Iran. What matters to us is having uninterrupted and secure access from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan. Our cargo and our citizens must not encounter Armenian border guards or anyone else. I remember during Soviet times, on this very stretch of Zangezur, Armenians would throw stones at the windows of trains carrying commercial goods from Baku to Nakhchivan — and that was under strict discipline and punitive mechanisms of the time. We cannot risk the lives and health of our people. So there must be no physical contact. This is a completely legitimate demand.”
• Criticism of Armenia: “On the Armenian side of the Zangezur corridor, no work has been done over the past five years. If they continue to block this process, I believe they will end up not only in the transport isolation they are already experiencing today, but also to some extent in political isolation.”
• China-Azerbaijan freight growth: A railway is being built from China through Central Asia to the Caspian, with Baku port as a key hub feeding into the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and further on to the Mediterranean.
• Green energy: Azerbaijan is involved in two major submarine cable projects to export green electricity—one via the Caspian Sea (with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan), and one under the Black Sea (with Georgia, Romania, and Hungary).
• Gas to Europe: “Europe now needs more gas from Azerbaijan, and we are increasing supplies. In 2021, it was 8 billion cubic meters; now it’s 13 billion. That’s half of our total gas exports. But to provide additional volumes, European institutions need to take a pragmatic approach. European banks no longer finance fossil fuel-related projects. They must change their policy so we can attract funds to expand our capacity. Let’s work as a team.”
• New U.S. ties: “The previous US administration practically destroyed US-Azerbaijan relations — all because we restored our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We see great potential for a strong partnership with the United States. We’ve received very positive signals from Washington. Signals from Azerbaijan have also been very positive. Donald Trump is actively involved in the process in the South Caucasus and is doing tremendous work to help Azerbaijan and Armenia find a solution to the long-standing conflict. I believe we’ll have more good news in the future.”
• Meeting with Armenian PM in Abu Dhabi: “During a long discussion, one of the topics we addressed was the very low level of trust between the sides. Prime Minister Pashinyan said (after the meeting) that they should have recognized Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan earlier. They should have. I told them that — in 2018 and in 2019. I said it, I warned them it would get worse. Our position has never changed. Just as I said in 2003 that Karabakh is our land, I have repeated the same over these 22 years. But the Armenian position kept changing. And what guarantee is there that it won’t change again? Such a guarantee must come in the form of international legal documents that will, as I said in Abu Dhabi, slam shut the coffin lid on separatism. For that, the OSCE Minsk Group must be dissolved, as it was created for the Karabakh conflict, which is now over. And Armenia’s constitution must be amended to remove the declaration of independence that includes territorial claims against Azerbaijan. That’s basically all. The text of the peace agreement has been agreed.”
• Peace treaty with Armenia: Negotiations stalled for over two years due to Armenian attempts to include the Karabakh issue. Talks resumed in 2024, and a draft treaty was agreed upon. Aliyev said Armenia only accepted the terms after Trump’s victory. “I told Mr. Pashinyan: “You were probably hoping that Madam Harris would win, and you’d be back on your ‘white horse’ — but that didn’t happen.” Personally, I am absolutely convinced that if Trump hadn’t won, they wouldn’t have agreed, because they wanted to take more than they deserved and more than they could handle.”
• About the crash of the Azerbaijani passenger plane in December, when it came under fire from Russian air defense systems.  “We haven’t received any response from Russian officials, even though seven months have passed. We know what happened and can prove it – and we also know that Russian officials know what happened. The question is: why don’t they do what any neighbor would do? Our demands are entirely natural: to admit responsibility for the crash, to punish those who shot down our plane, and to pay compensation to the families of the victims, the injured, and to AZAL for the loss of the aircraft. We will not forget this. We have informed Russia that we are preparing a portfolio of documents to submit to the international legal system. We know this may take time. In the case of the Malaysian Boeing, it took more than 10 years, so we will wait 10 years. But justice must prevail. Unfortunately, this uncertain situation does not help bilateral relations between Russia and Azerbaijan.”
• Advice to Ukraine: “Never agree to occupation,” Aliyev stated, urging Ukraine to follow Azerbaijan’s example of creating new realities rather than accepting imposed ones.
• ●  Ukrainian journalist Olena Gurbanova presented President Aliyev with patches from Ukrainian armed forces. Azerbaijani MP Oleksiy Honcharenko shared the video. Aliyev thanked her and said, “Keep it up.” (Watch the video below)
• ●  Presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev accused major foreign media of disinformation against Azerbaijan, using deepfake technology and spreading false narratives about Karabakh and religion, often supported by Armenian diaspora groups.
• ●  Azerbaijan declined to attend the CIS Economic Council meeting in Moscow. Hajiyev cited scheduling issues, denying any link to current Azerbaijan–Russia relations.

●  “There are no signs that Armenia is planning to leave the CIS, just as Azerbaijan isn’t either. I completely rule out that scenario,” said CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev in an interview with TASS. The issue of Armenia leaving the CIS arose after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan mentioned a possible exit from another Russian-led integration structure—the CSTO military bloc. Azerbaijan’s possible departure came under discussion because its delegation did not attend the latest meeting of the CIS Economic Council. However, Lebedev stated that the absence of Azerbaijan’s representatives “is a temporary episode, and the situation will soon return to normal.”

●  Last week saw an increase in contact between Armenian and Iranian officials. They discussed the unblocking of regional communications. Reportedly, the activity is linked to a U.S. proposal recently presented to Yerevan and Baku. Washington suggests outsourcing the road that will connect Azerbaijan with its Nakhichevan exclave to an American private company. This, reportedly, is causing concern in Iran.

●  Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call. They reportedly discussed bilateral, regional, and international issues. Pashinyan invited the Iranian president to Armenia for an official visit.

●  The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure filed a complaint with the Public Services Regulatory Commission regarding “public dissatisfaction” with the company managing Armenia’s power grid. The company is owned by Russian-Armenian dollar billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, who has been under arrest since June 18 on charges of public calls to seize power. The commission found grounds to review the case and appointed a new interim manager—Romanos Petrosyan, a member of the ruling party and former head of the State Oversight Service. Previously, the parliament adopted legislative amendments allowing for the potential nationalization of this strategic enterprise. Read more here

●  The Public Services Regulatory Commission decided that the new manager of Electric Networks of Armenia will receive the same salary as the current CEO. The amount was not disclosed, but the company finds it inappropriate that it has to pay for the manager’s salary if the company may soon be transferred to state ownership. The company’s leadership has declared the situation entirely political. “If this isn’t political, then why was one of the ruling party’s most prominent figures—who has no professional experience or a single day working at the company—appointed as manager?” said acting CEO David Ghazinyan. He also stated that the current leadership does not intend to resign and “will continue to ensure normal operations, protect consumers’ interests, and uphold the rights of the owner.”

●  A court ordered the two-month detention of former MP and member of the “Dashnaktsutyun” party Ruben Akopyan. He is accused of publicly calling for the overthrow of the government. Specifically, Akopyan said: “We must drive the authorities out at any cost. ‘At any cost’ means an uprising, creating suicide squads, and driving them out.” The statement was made live from the National Assembly tribune during hearings organized by the parliamentary opposition.

●  Law enforcement in Armenia prevented Russian military personnel from kidnapping 25-year-old contract soldier Semyon Subbotin, who refused to fight in the war against Ukraine and relocated to Armenia in 2024 with the help of the “Go to the Woods” project.
Russia placed him on a wanted list for desertion. Subbotin learned that individuals had come to Armenia to capture him and contacted the police in Yerevan. He was detained for 72 hours, during which Armenian authorities notified Moscow to submit the necessary extradition documents. Since Russia failed to do so in time, he was released. Russian military personnel arrived at the detention facility to retrieve him, but Armenian police refused to hand him over. Local media report that Subbotin is safe and that no official extradition request has been received. According to human rights advocates, if Russia does not file a request within 40 days, the search will be annulled.

●  Armenia’s armed forces held a nationwide qualification competition called “Dyutsazn” (translated as “hero” or “strongman”). Servicemen from various units participated. Those who passed all the challenges earned the right to wear black berets. The aim of the contest is to identify the most prepared soldiers.

●  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan posted three Facebook updates related to an incident that occurred during a Coldplay concert.
The livestream captured the CEO of American tech company Astronomer with a female employee, leading to global media speculation about an extramarital affair. In all three posts, Pashinyan connected this story to the Catholicos of All Armenians, accusing him of breaking his vow of celibacy. Pashinyan claims Catholicos Karekin II has a child and demands he step down. “The CEO of Astronomer resigned because the company considers marital values fundamental. According to the Armenian Apostolic Church, a celibate monk is married to the Church and must not have other personal relationships. Ktrich Nersisyan [secular name of the Catholicos], who broke his vow, still refuses to vacate the Catholicosate, thus desecrating our holiest of holy sites – the Mother See. Therefore, Ktrich Nersisyan is calling on us, faithful followers of the Armenian Apostolic Church, to liberate the Catholicosate from him. We will do this together. Be ready,” wrote Pashinyan.

●  The international “Golden Apricot” film festival concluded in Yerevan (pictured below). The Grand Prize, known as the “Golden Apricot,” went to Igor Bezinović’s feature film Fiume or Death. The “Silver Apricot” was awarded to Holy Electricity by Tato Kotetishvili. A special prize went to Songs of a Slowly Burning Heart by Olga Zhurba.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 14-18 July, 2025