Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 30 March-3 April, 2026

● President Ilham Aliyev met with the heads of government of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States during their second meeting in Baku. “Relations between all member countries of the organization are very good, both within the organization and in a bilateral format. There are no problems or misunderstandings, and this is its uniqueness. Our organization has a great future, because each of us wants it to grow stronger and play a more significant role on the global stage, and I am confident that we will achieve this,” Aliyev said. He noted that relations with the member states of the Organization of Turkic States are a priority in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.

● Ilham Aliyev at the same meeting: “I would like to express special gratitude for the support of our brotherly countries in the restoration of Karabakh. The schools gifted to us by Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are already functioning, and the Children’s Creativity Center, which is a gift from Kazakhstan, is also operating. Many companies from Turkey are participating in important infrastructure projects—construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and railways.”

● Following the meeting, a joint statement was adopted in English. Among other points, it emphasized the importance of expanding economic ties and investment cooperation between member states and observers.

● Azerbaijan will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Iran, President Ilham Aliyev said during a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian. Another batch of humanitarian aid, the third so far, will be sent in the near future.

● Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov is on a visit to Russia, where he took part in a regular meeting of the CIS Council of Defense Ministers. He also held a bilateral meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, during which they discussed prospects for developing cooperation in military and military-technical spheres.

● Joint military exercises between Turkey and Azerbaijan under the motto “Heydar Aliyev-2026” are beginning in Turkey.

● Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš will visit Azerbaijan on April 26–27 on an official visit. The trip will have a regional character, as Babiš will also visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

● BP has denied media reports claiming that the company intends to participate in forming a new route for exporting gas from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan through Azerbaijan via the Southern Gas Corridor. “This information was published by one of the company’s employees on his personal social media page. These are solely his personal views and in no way reflect the official position of the company,” BP stated.

● The Bar Associations of Azerbaijan and Georgia signed a memorandum of cooperation in Baku. The document предусматривает exchange of experience, organization of joint conferences, and cooperation on international platforms. During the visit to Baku by the head of the Georgian Bar Association, Irakli Kandashvili, meetings were also held with the Prosecutor General and the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan.

● Many buildings and architectural landmarks in Baku were illuminated in bright blue in the evening as part of the “Light It Up Blue” campaign, held in honor of World Autism Awareness Day—including SOCAR Tower, Flame Towers, the Maiden Tower, the Hilton hotel, and Baku Crystal Hall. This day is observed on April 2, although the entire month is considered dedicated to raising awareness about this issue.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan: “Armenia’s relations with Russia have a broad agenda and significant potential; we need to look forward. Yes, there were (negative) incidents in 2021 and 2022, but we should not remain stuck at that point. However, it is unrealistic to expect Armenia to return to participation within the CSTO (a military alliance led by Russia).”

● Thousands of Iranian citizens have flown to Armenia in order to then travel overland back to their homeland, said Iran’s ambassador Khalil Shirgolami. “The Iranian people love their country. I can even show you videos of how many people living outside Iran were brought to tears, expressing their desire to return to their country at this very moment,” the ambassador said.

● Classmates of 18-year-old David Minasyan, who was placed in pre-trial detention for two months after an altercation with the prime minister in a church in Yerevan, held a protest outside the UN building. They demanded his release and stated that “David is not a troublemaker; he is well-mannered and highly educated,” according to participants in the demonstration.

● Nikol Pashinyan said that “during the detention of the participant in the church incident, he did not sustain any bodily injuries, although he could have.” He noted that he did not see what happened inside the Surb Anna Church. He added that when state security officers perceive a threat to the person they are protecting, they may use force, strike, and in extreme situations, use weapons.

● A representative of the opposition Republican Party of Armenia, Armen Ashotyan, held a protest outside the EU delegation office in support of David Minasyan. “This is not democracy. This is a dictatorship with a European façade. And the European Union helps to paint that façade. If you cannot protect an 18-year-old school student in a church, then what are you protecting?” he said. The opposition in Armenia is largely perceived as pro-Russian.

● The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant has been taken offline since yesterday for a period of five months, Minister of Territorial Administration David Khudatyan said. The decision was made as part of a program to extend its operational lifespan. “In all likelihood, by 2026 our solar power plants will generate as much electricity as the nuclear power plant,” Khudatyan also stated.

● Nikol Pashinyan: “There are no oligarchs in Armenia.”

📌 An off-budget deposit account will be opened for the $500,000 Zayed International Prize awarded to the prime minister.

📌 The Armenian Apostolic Church conducted the foot-washing ritual on Holy Thursday. According to tradition, at the church altar a priest kneels and washes the feet of 12 children or church servants.

● The Parole Board has denied early release to Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder of the popular publications Batumelebi and Netgazeti. The decision was based on the claim that she “does not repent for her actions.” At the same time, the assessment by the correctional institution notes that Mzia shows no “aggressive tendencies.” Amaglobeli was sentenced to two years for slapping a police officer who had insulted her during a protest. Mzia Amaglobeli is a laureate of the international Sakharov Prize.

● Tbilisi City Hall states that a group of animal rights activists forcibly entered a municipal shelter to check the conditions in which animals are kept and disrupted the work of veterinarians. The city authorities called the incident a “provocation” and said that those involved would be held accountable. A protest movement is growing in Georgia, demanding an end to violations in the implementation of the state program for the sterilization and vaccination of stray animals. A corresponding petition has already been signed by more than 30,000 citizens and over 40 organizations.

● Iran’s Ambassador Ali Mojani says he held a meeting at Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to him, the discussion covered issues of regional security, energy, and Iran–Georgia relations.

● As of April 2, U.S. visa requirements for Georgian citizens have been tightened. Visas are now issued for a single entry, valid for three months. The maximum period of stay is 30 days. Financial guarantees of up to $15,000 may be required. The changes are linked to the high number of Georgian citizens overstaying their U.S. visas.

● Five people have been detained in a case involving the embezzlement of budget funds on an especially large scale, with damages estimated at more than 3.5 million lari (around $1.3 million). Senior employees of the company “Aladashvili & Co” and its subcontractors are under arrest. The accused face up to 9 years in prison.

● A meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place at the Kremlin. Key statements by the prime minister:

• Relations between Armenia and Russia have never been and will never be in question because of Yerevan’s cooperation with the EU.
Armenia is discussing with Russia the prospects of building a new nuclear power plant on Armenian territory. However, we are fully transparent and do not hide that we are also discussing this with other partners, as we are seeking the most advantageous offer.

• Armenia must end the Karabakh movement because peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan has already been established. Armenia and Azerbaijan have recognized each other’s territorial integrity, political independence, and sovereignty based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. This means we mutually recognize that our countries are fully identical to the territories they had during the Soviet period. I believe this is a solid foundation for further development of peace.

• Yes, Armenia recognized Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, but this happened after Russia’s top leadership had publicly stated this twice.

• Railway transportation through Azerbaijan contributes to strengthening Armenian-Russian economic relations (including the supply of Russian goods).

• Armenia is currently not participating in the activities of the Collective Security Treaty Organization for a simple reason: we are unable to explain to our people why the CSTO did not respond in accordance with its obligations under the collective security treaty (after the end of the Karabakh war, during Azerbaijan’s incursion into Armenia’s sovereign territory – JAMnews).  Read more here

● “The CSTO could not intervene in the situation in Karabakh after the statements made by the Armenian leadership. In Prague in 2022, you recognized that Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan. After that, it would have been completely inappropriate for the CSTO to intervene in a process that had taken on an internal Azerbaijani dimension,” said Vladimir Putin during the meeting with Nikol Pashinyan.

● During the meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Vladimir Putin expressed hope that pro-Russian political forces in Armenia would be able to participate in elections. Pashinyan responded that “Armenia is a democratic country, and it is normal for it to have various internal political processes.”

● Moscow and Yerevan share common interests in unblocking transport communications in the South Caucasus, said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk. “For Moscow, the road through Armenia’s Meghri is an opportunity not only to improve transport connectivity with a member state of the Eurasian Economic Union, but also to improve access to the markets of Iran and Turkey. For Tehran, it is a competing route and a potential threat from the United States. For Ankara, it is the most convenient access to Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia. For Yerevan, it is an opportunity to unlock the country, realize the advantages of its geographical position, and give an additional boost to economic development. Our interests and Armenia’s interests coincide in this,” Overchuk said.

● Overchuk also noted that Armenia “faced new serious threats after scaling back cooperation with Russia on the transport unblocking of the region.” “In the summer of 2023, Armenia agreed with Azerbaijan on a basic formulation regarding sovereignty, jurisdiction, and reciprocity, but after that it reduced contacts with Moscow in this area. At the same time, the document signed in Washington on August 8, 2025, contains wording similar to what had been discussed with Moscow. This has led to new threats for Armenia that did not previously exist,” Overchuk said.

● During Nikol Pashinyan’s visit to Moscow, his portrait was burned during a protest outside the Armenian embassy. The rally was held in support of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Participants demanded an end to interference in the Church’s internal affairs and stated that “Pashinyan’s government is a criminal, corrupt власть that is destroying Armenia.”

● Eighteen-year-old David Minasyan was placed in two months’ pre-trial detention by court decision in connection with an incident at a church in Yerevan, where he had a confrontation with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. His mother says the detention is incompatible with his health condition, as he has a diagnosed food allergy. Lawyers published new video footage of the incident, which allegedly shows a security guard of the prime minister hitting the young man. The defense is preparing an urgent appeal to the prosecutor general and filing an appeal.

● Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan met with the newly appointed head of the European Union monitoring mission, Satu Koivu. He noted that over the past four years, the mission’s work has made a significant contribution to reducing tensions and creating a more peaceful environment. The president expressed readiness to provide full support to enhance its effectiveness.

● The Republican Party of former president Serzh Sargsyan announced that it will not directly participate in the parliamentary elections on June 7. The party is known for its pro-Russian orientation.

● Controversy has arisen around the film “Our Path to Independence,” directed by Tigran Paskevichyan. The film was commissioned by Armenia’s Public Television, but the broadcaster stated that the author failed to deliver the work within the agreed сроки and began screening it without the rights holder’s permission. The court sided with Public Television, and the film will not be shown in any format. Paskevichyan called the channel “pathetic” and said: “The main hater stands above them. The main hater is the one who has for a long time (unbearably long) been encroaching on history, sacred values, and traditions.”

Photo: Noravank Monastery complex 

● Vladimir Putin said that “thanks to the efforts of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, it has been possible to achieve stabilization in relations between Yerevan and Baku.” He made this statement during a meeting with Pashinyan at the Kremlin. Putin also mentioned the active involvement of Donald Trump in improving relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He further emphasized that after Armenia recognized Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, the Collective Security Treaty Organization “could not intervene in internal processes.”

● Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk highlighted Russia’s role in the ongoing active transit of Russian and Kazakh goods to Armenia by rail via Azerbaijan and Georgia. “This is beneficial for everyone, as confirmed by the growing volume of transportation; all parties have gained a new source of income, and Russia is directly involved in this,” Overchuk stated.

Context: At the end of 2025, Azerbaijan lifted restrictions on cargo transit through its territory to Armenia after 30 years without any trade relations due to the unresolved conflict. This became possible following a historic summit in Washington on August 8, 2025, between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, with the participation of Donald Trump. During the meeting, a series of documents were initialed, including a peace agreement and an arrangement to open the “Trump Route” (TRIPP), a transit corridor from Azerbaijan to its exclave Nakhchivan through Armenian territory.

● Another freight train consisting of five wagons carrying 349 tons of Russian wheat has been sent in transit from Azerbaijan to Armenia. Previously, 23,500 tons of grain, over 1,000 tons of fertilizers, and 68 tons of buckwheat had been shipped from Russia to Armenia via Azerbaijan.

● “Soon Armenia will export goods to Russia through Azerbaijan,” said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a meeting with Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. “Peace with Azerbaijan is positively affecting relations between Yerevan and Moscow. For the first time since independence, Armenia has gained railway connectivity with Russia. This strengthens our traditional economic ties, including within the Eurasian Economic Union,” Pashinyan said.

● Portugal will open an embassy in Azerbaijan, said Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel during a phone call with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov. The sides discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in the economy, energy, trade, transport, and tourism, as well as regional and international security issues.

● The Vice President of Turkey and the Prime Ministers of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the second meeting of heads of government/vice presidents of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States. Meetings with Azerbaijani officials are also planned.

● Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov met with the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Kubanychbek Omuraliev. They discussed prospects for cooperation within the organization and its growing role as a multilateral platform. Asadov stated that during Azerbaijan’s chairmanship, efforts will continue to enhance the organization’s international standing.

● Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev and visiting Chairman of the Georgian Bar Association Irakli Kandashvili discussed legal system reforms in Baku. Aliyev noted that he appreciated Kandashvili choosing Azerbaijan for his first official visit in the role.

● The SOCAR and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation signed a framework agreement outlining key areas of cooperation.

● Theologian Mansur Velishov, sentenced to six years in prison, reported to his family that he is in serious health condition and is not receiving adequate medical care, according to the Azerbaijani service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. “My body has begun to deteriorate,” Velishov told his relatives. They insist on transferring him to a hospital for detailed examination and diagnosis but have been unable to obtain approval from the relevant authorities. Velishov was arrested in March 2023 on charges of drug possession, which he denies, calling them fabricated. Over the past three years, hundreds of religious figures have been arrested in Azerbaijan, nearly all on similar charges, which they reject, claiming persecution for their critical views.

According to human rights organizations, there are currently around 400 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, more than 190 of whom are religious figures.

● Heavy rains in Azerbaijan have damaged around 2,100 hectares of agricultural land. Independent experts are beginning to assess claims from citizens and businesses regarding losses in flooded areas.

● The Electronic Security Service has identified a large-scale phishing campaign targeting Azerbaijani citizens. Around 580 phishing emails were sent to addresses linked to Azerbaijani domains, along with more than 12,000 emails to individuals. The messages contained fake notifications allegedly from law enforcement agencies.

● A large-scale amnesty announced on December 22 last year has so far affected 18,203 people. The Ministry of Justice reported that 5,310 individuals were released from prison, 10,226 were freed from non-custodial penalties, and 2,648 had their sentences reduced by six months. Another 19 individuals were exempted from criminal liability in ongoing cases. The amnesty was declared in connection with the “Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty,” and its implementation is ongoing.

The photo by Orkhan Farmanli was taken in the town of Lerik, located in the mountains of Azerbaijan, near the border with Iran

● A court sentenced activists Mindia Shervashidze and Tornike Toshkhua (pictured), who were arrested during pro-European protests, to one year in prison. The judge noted that in delivering the verdict, he took into account the defendants’ statement that they do not consider themselves guilty. The activists were accused of attacking former footballer and supporter of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Beka Gotsiridze.

● The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe adopted a critical resolution on Georgia. The document points to democratic backsliding, political polarization, pressure on the opposition, and a problematic environment for local elections.

● According to a report by the Public Defender, in 2025 a total of 379,957 children in Georgia were registered as socially vulnerable, while the total number of assistance recipients reached 463,122.

● The ombudsman stated that no criminal cases have been initiated against any law enforcement officers for improper treatment of protest participants. Read more here

● The European Court of Human Rights has begun reviewing a case against Georgia’s “foreign agents” law (FARA), as it restricts the activities of civil society and the media. The court noted that the case may be granted “Impact Case” status, meaning it will be given priority consideration. Read more here

● Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze stated that UK sanctions against pro-government TV channels Imedi and POSTV represent a restriction on freedom of speech. Kaladze also criticized Western countries, saying that their democracy and freedom of speech are a “farce” and a “bluff.”

● Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said that Moscow is ready to restore relations with Georgia “if Tbilisi is ready.”

● More than 25,000 citizens and over 40 organizations have signed a statement demanding an end to violations in the implementation of the state program for sterilization and vaccination of stray animals. Read more here

● The National Food Agency denied claims by animal rights activists that stray dogs are taken from the streets under the pretext of sterilization and vaccination but are later killed and cremated. The agency described these reports as “disinformation.”

● According to the Georgian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, a U.S. military cargo aircraft, a Boeing C-17, landed at Tbilisi airport and later departed in an unknown direction.

● U.S. President Donald Trump has extended the sanctions against Russia introduced by the previous administration of Joe Biden. These sanctions also include Georgia’s informal ruler and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili. Read more here

● According to the U.S. State Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The sides reportedly discussed security issues in the Caucasus and the Black Sea region.

● Irakli Kobakhidze’s press service described the call as “productive” and said they discussed the “importance of resetting the partnership between the two countries and strengthening Georgia’s role as a strong partner in the South Caucasus.” “We are committed to strengthening ties between Georgia and the United States, promoting regional stability, and enhancing connectivity,” the statement said.

● Minister of Education Givi Mikanadze met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Alan Purcell. Cooperation in the fields of education and science was discussed.

● The Prosecutor’s Office has charged Aleko Elisashvili, leader of the opposition party “Citizens,” with committing a terrorist act. He was arrested on November 29, 2025, while attempting to set fire to the Tbilisi City Court administration building. It is reported that he caused significant property damage and posed a threat to the health and lives of three bailiff service employees who were in the building at the time. He faces up to 15 years in prison. His lawyers claim that the video released by the prosecution does not prove his involvement in the arson and that the case may have been “fabricated.” Read more here

● David Gabaidze, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Adjara region, has resigned, stating that he made the decision after consultations with his team.

● 13 people, including 7 minors, have been arrested in Tbilisi on charges of links to neo-Nazi/fascist groups. More details here

● Ruling party representative Levan Machavariani stated that the main obstacle to Georgia’s European integration is “Euro-bureaucracy,” and that the country should not become “their puppet.”

● Electricity tariffs in Georgia have increased by more than 33%: +5 tetri for households, +4–6 tetri on average for businesses. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the reasons include dependence on imports and rising purchase prices.

● Animal rights advocates have sent an open letter to the government following an incident in Zugdidi, where a large number of stray dogs were taken to facilities for vaccination and sterilization. Activists say that dogs that had already undergone these procedures were also taken, raising concerns.

● March 31 is commemorated in Azerbaijan as the Day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis, carried out by Armenian Dashnaks together with the Bolsheviks during the Sovietization of Azerbaijan, from March 30 to April 3, 1918. In Baku and several regions of the country, they carried out массов killings and expulsions of local Azerbaijanis. According to official sources, around 12,000 people were killed and tens of thousands went missing. The official version states that “representatives of the Armenian community living in Azerbaijan, under the leadership of the Dashnak movement, took advantage of the emergence of the ‘workers’ and peasants’ state’ in Russia and pursued their ethnic claims under the Bolshevik flag — to expel the entire Azerbaijani population by killing or deporting them.” Here are the views of an Azerbaijani analyst on the events that went down in history as the “March Days” in Baku.

● The Ministry of Defense issued a statement strongly condemning another launch of a ballistic missile from Iranian territory toward Turkey. “We express solidarity with brotherly Turkey and reaffirm our unwavering support for its security and territorial integrity,” the statement said. Turkey’s Ministry of Defense reported that the missile was neutralized by NATO missile defense units in the eastern Mediterranean. NATO also reported on its X page about the successful interception and its readiness to “do whatever is necessary to protect all allies.”

● The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Iran discussed the escalating situation in the region by phone, emphasizing the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts to end hostilities.

● Over the past 24 hours, rescuers from the Ministry of Emergency Situations evacuated 547 people from areas flooded as a result of heavy rains.

● Since the beginning of March, border guards have prevented the smuggling of more than 51 kilograms of narcotics from Iran. Here is more on the significant increase in this trafficking and its causes.

● Azerbaijan’s national football team has won the international tournament “FIFA Series – 2026.”

● Will the young people face prison after clashing with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a church liturgy in Yerevan? This issue is being widely discussed in society and political circles. Accompanied by a group of bodyguards, Pashinyan attempted to approach the altar during the service, where a large number of people were present, and one of the parishioners tried to strike the prime minister. Social media is активно debating which course of action would better align with democratic principles: to punish them or not. Meanwhile, a lawyer said that the detained young people are not members of any political party and have serious health issues. No charges have been filed against them so far. Friends and relatives of the detainees held a protest outside the Interior Ministry building. Read more here

● Nikol Pashinyan: “The opposition, the so-called ‘party of war,’ claims there used to be peace. This is a cynical lie, because in previous years we had many casualties and even more wounded. There was no peace — there was a postponement of war, and we paid the price for it by losing independence, statehood, economic development, and Armenia’s prosperity.”

● Russia’s Minister of Transport Andrey Nikitin stated that Russia “does not plan to transfer the concession for managing Armenia’s railways to Kazakhstan.” “Moreover, our partners in Armenia have not discussed these issues with us at the official level,” Nikitin told Russian media.

The context is as follows. In 2008, Armenia signed an agreement with Russia under which the entire Armenian railway network came under the control of the state-owned company Russian Railways through its subsidiary South Caucasus Railway. The concession was signed for 30 years. Since then, freight traffic has nearly halved, some routes have been closed, and the promised investments have not been delivered.

In addition, amid international sanctions against Russia, Armenia’s railway has effectively become constrained, and there is little prospect of its real unblocking, let alone its inclusion in new regional routes. Armenia is losing its competitive advantages, as some countries refuse to use its railway network because it is managed by Russia. The idea of transferring the concession from Russia to Kazakhstan emerged as a way out of this deadlock.

📌 The Corruption Prevention Commission stated that it is reviewing reports about Nikol Pashinyan’s behavior in the metro, where he spoke in a raised tone to a woman with a child, who turned out to be the daughter of Meruzhan Mosiyan, a field commander killed in the First Karabakh War in 1993. “You who fled Karabakh have no right to say that I gave up Karabakh,” the Armenian prime minister said at the time. Read more here

● The Anti-Corruption Committee has accused the opposition party “Strong Armenia” of voter bribery. It is reported that the party opened an office of a public organization called “Our Way” in the Metsamor area, after which, during 2025–2026, it officially registered local residents in the organization and tasked them with recruiting voters who would support “Strong Armenia” in elections. It was also revealed that the pre-election bribe, promised in advance and provided in stages, was disguised as a salary.

●  The foreign ministers of Armenia and the Netherlands held a phone conversation, discussing bilateral strategic partnership, including upcoming high-level visits and events such as the European Political Community summit and the “Yerevan Dialogue” diplomatic forum.

● The American University of Armenia made an unexpected announcement about switching to дистанционное learning amid threats from Iran toward U.S.-affiliated universities. However, later in the evening, the university said it would resume normal operations after receiving assurances from the Ministry of Education that there was no significant threat.

● “For the first time we have peace,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in a live broadcast. “2025 is the first calendar year since independence in which, as a result of shootings with Azerbaijan, we have had no dead or wounded,” Pashinyan said.

● For the first time in the history of Armenia’s banking system, a syndicated loan agreement has been signed between six financial institutions to finance a major technological megaproject. Under the deal, leading banks and investment institutions have joined forces to provide Firebird AI with $300 million to finance the construction of an artificial intelligence plant in the city of Hrazdan. The project aims to create a modern AI data processing center in Armenia based on advanced technological solutions from the American company NVIDIA. This was announced by Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan. He noted that this is not only a direct investment in the company, but also in the development of the country’s technology sector, innovation, science, and economy.

● The ruling “Civil Contract” party has published preliminary results of vote counting for candidate elections. Nikol Pashinyan received the highest number of votes. If these results are confirmed at the party conference, Pashinyan will lead the electoral list.

● An incident occurred during Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s visit to a liturgy at the Church of Saint Anna in Yerevan. According to video footage circulated on social media, when the prime minister’s security team cleared a corridor for him as he was leaving the church, one of the parishioners expressed discontent, saying he would stand in the center of the church and adding, “Don’t you dare look at me like that!” Afterwards, someone attempted to reach out and touch Pashinyan’s shoulder, but his hand was stopped by bodyguards. A commotion followed inside the church. Security ensured Pashinyan’s exit, and the situation calmed down. “The police do not need additional instructions to perform their duties,” Pashinyan told journalists.

A criminal case has been opened on charges of “hooliganism” and “interference in the lawful official or political activities of an official.” Three people have been detained, two of them are twin brothers and school students.

● “Discussions around TRIPP have not slowed down. We are at the stage of finalizing documents,” said Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in comments to journalists. TRIPP, or the “Trump Route,” is a transit corridor project that would run from Azerbaijan through Armenia to the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan. “I assume that the next stage should be the signing of an intergovernmental agreement, after which an organization will be created. We said we would like to start construction by the end or middle of the year, but I don’t know how realistic that is; in any case, it was only an aspiration,” Mirzoyan said.

● Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted in Armenian on X, thanking the government and people of Armenia for providing humanitarian assistance. Araghchi noted that “the centuries-old friendship between Armenia and Iran has proven its strength in a difficult moment, and the Iranian people will remember this brotherly gesture.”

● On March 29, the Armenian Apostolic Church marked Tsaghkazard (Palm Sunday). With the blessing of Catholicos Garegin II, it was declared a day of blessing for children. On this day, children are given crosses, and worshippers receive willow branches blessed during the ceremony.

●  In Georgia, discussions continue over who will succeed the late Patriarch Ilia II. Metropolitan Isaiah of Nikosi and Tskhinvali said the future patriarch’s election “depends on the will of God” and described the role as a “cross” that the chosen one must not refuse. Analysis follows on what is known about the candidates.

● Metropolitan Dimitri Shiolashvili of Batumi and Lazeti said the election of a new patriarch is expected within no more than two months.

● Archbishop Iakob of Bodbe said he will not allow external interference in church affairs and expressed support for the clergy.

● Metropolitan Saba Gigiberia of Samtredia and Khoni stressed that the Patriarch is not an administrative post but a “burden and a cross,” and that the next patriarch should not be judged through political or geopolitical considerations.

● Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri), who conducted the enthronement of Ilia II, said the late Catholicos’ merits have “apostolic significance,” and that his role became especially evident during the public mourning and funeral, attended by an unprecedented hundreds of thousands of people.

● Representative of the ruling party Georgian Dream Levan Machavariani said that party founder and honorary chairman, oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, has “great merits in saving Georgia.” Most independent observers in Georgia and abroad, however, view Ivanishvili as the country’s “shadow ruler.”

● The opposition TV channel TV Pirveli published an investigation claiming that Ivanishvili, during the lifetime of Patriarch Ilia II, demanded his resignation. According to the report, leaked State Security Service materials suggest Ivanishvili sought to weaken the influence of the Patriarchate’s secretary Shorena Tetruashvili, whom he allegedly saw as trying to gain full control over the Church.

● In Tbilisi, thousands of people who disagree with the government’s policies hold protest marches every Saturday, demanding that the country return to the path of European integration and the release of arrested and convicted protest participants. Photo: JAMnews

● Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanked Azerbaijan for its humanitarian assistance and for creating conditions that enabled the delivery of aid from other countries, publishing a post on X in the Azerbaijani language. “The support shown in difficult days is based on the shared culture that unites the peoples of Iran and Azerbaijan,” Araghchi wrote.

● Since the start of the war in Iran on February 28, a total of 3,094 people have been evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan. Of them, 536 are Azerbaijani citizens, while the rest are citizens of dozens of other countries.

● The Ministry of Culture expressed condolences over the death of People’s Artist Rasim Balayev. The 28-year-old actor had been a presidential scholarship holder since 2005.

● A record amount of precipitation for the past 38 years fell in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula in March—about six times the monthly norm, according to the National Hydrometeorology Service. Very strong winds are expected on March 30–31 in several regions of the country, and a storm warning has been issued.

● The Azerbaijan national football team will play its second match today as part of FIFA Series 2026 against the Sierra Leone national football team. The match will take place in Sumgayit. On March 27, also in Sumgayit, Azerbaijan achieved a major 6–1 victory over Saint Lucia national football team.

Photo by Orkhan Farmanli

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 23-27 March, 2026