gqSbgCfmna – Page 122 – Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

France beat Ukraine 4-0 to seal 2026 World Cup spot

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4–0 victory over Ukraine on Thursday, in a match m…

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4–0 victory over Ukraine on Thursday, in a match marked by emotional tributes to the victims of the 2015 Paris attacks.

Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike also found the net in a dominant performance at the Parc des Princes.

After a minute’s silence was observed by 41,000 spectators in honour of the 130 victims of the November 13, 2015, attacks, France took control of the match.

Mbappe opened the scoring from the penalty spot early in the second half with a calm chip, before Olise doubled the lead in the 76th minute.

Beyond the corporate realm

…

Nuttaphong Kunakornwong, chief executive of SC Asset Corporation Plc and the eldest son-in-law of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, says he has never declared any political ambition. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)

The air around Nuttaphong Kunakornwong hums with political speculation. As chief executive of SC Asset Corporation Plc and the eldest son-in-law of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, his name has been linked to the Pheu Thai Party’s next prime ministerial candidacy.

When asked directly about the rumours, Mr Nuttaphong neither confirms nor denies them.

Instead, he offered a more philosophical response, one that underscored his focus on purpose and the present moment.

He said he has never declared any political ambition. Yet, in his reflections on leadership, empathy and change, there are echoes of readiness that extend far beyond the corporate realm.

“Today is today, tomorrow is tomorrow,” he stated simply. “Today I am the CEO of SC Asset, driving this business forward.”

His non-committal stance offered a window into a leadership philosophy that transcends the boardroom, providing a ready blueprint for national stewardship.

THREE PILLARS OF LEADERSHIP

Mr Nuttaphong, 45, articulated three critical skills required of any leader, whether in the private sector or at the national level.

These are not just corporate buzzwords, but essential tools for navigating the complexities of modern society, he said.

The first skill is inclusivity. The world is marked by differences in gender identity, wealth and age, with 5-6 generations coexisting. To lead effectively, a leader must recognise this diversity and successfully integrate all groups.

“The goal is to ensure all these diverse people have better lives and happiness,” said Mr Nuttaphong.

This requires not just simple acceptance, but a deliberate, high-energy effort to include all stakeholders in the work and problem-solving process, he said.

Second, in an environment of diverse stakeholders and independent thought, collaboration is vital. Just as the business world requires unity, the political landscape has multiple parties. Leaders must possess the ability to unite disparate groups with differing beliefs towards a single shared goal, said Mr Nuttaphong.

The final pillar is vision and direction, which must be measurable. Without quantifiable targets, progress remains unseen, he said.

Even within an organisation, metrics such as engagement and “thriving scores” gauge the collective morale and efficacy of the workforce.

ADDRESSING CHRONIC AILMENTS

Applying this framework to the national context, Mr Nuttaphong highlighted the core paradox of Thailand.

The country is blessed with abundant resources, yet suffers from low productive capacity. This issue demands a long-term strategy, with continuity among governments paramount, he said.

“Big wins cannot be completed in one, two or three years,” said Mr Nuttaphong.

Any administration that seeks genuine, lasting progress must be afforded the sustained time necessary for long-term planning and execution, he said.

Drawing on his business acumen, he distinguished between work conflict and personal conflict.

Healthy organisations encourage the former — a rigorous debate over the best path forward — while avoiding the latter, which leads to avoidance and unaddressed issues. This clarity should translate to political debate, said Mr Nuttaphong.

IN THE MOMENT

Regarding factors that could trigger a political career move, he returned to his core principle: purpose.

“My core principle is living a meaningful life that creates value for those around me,” he said. “Where we can be more useful, we will be there.”

Mr Nuttaphong said such a decision would not be about a position or a title, but rather maximising the utility and value he can create for society.

He said he rejects the notion of a linear path. Life is often determined by its own nature, which sometimes guides people to the place they need to be, said Mr Nuttaphong.

In addition, the concept of readiness is less important than being committed to the present reality.

He said he views all roles as temporary constructs, or simulations, allowing him to embrace change without being overwhelmed.

“The job may get bigger, but your mind must be calmer,” said Mr Nuttaphong.

INSTITUTIONAL RESILIENCE

Despite speculation about his future, stability at SC Asset is assured because of its institutional strength.

He confirmed successor planning is a standard practice at the company, but it is not an urgent concern.

More important than any single individual is the company’s culture. SC Asset is entering its third decade and has cultivated a culture of intense care for the customer, as well as possessing the courage to change its ways, said Mr Nuttaphong.

“No matter who the leader is, the culture will be the driving force of the organisation,” he said.

The cultural framework of the multi-engine company is the true successor, ensuring resilience and continuity regardless of future executives, said Mr Nuttaphong.

A PHILOSOPHER’S APPROACH

He said his leadership style is rooted in personal reflection and growth, with his greatest strength being a voracious appetite for learning. Mr Nuttaphong said he sees himself as a sponge, constantly absorbing new skills and knowledge.

He also values communication and the ability to simplify complex matters. He said effective communication is about building trust.

“Who says it carries more weight than what is said,” said Mr Nuttaphong, underscoring the importance of credibility.

In terms of conflict resolution in business, he said the leader should create space for others to unleash their full potential. A good leader must be a good listener, one who can connect and speak to the heart of a diverse audience, said Mr Nuttaphong.

The highest form of leadership is self-management, he said. This spiritual discipline of “awareness and awakeness” allows one to manage all external challenges effectively, said Mr Nuttaphong.

By viewing life’s changes, including personal adversity such as his father-in-law’s situation, as natural tests that refine the heart, he said he is perpetually prepared.

“We must be ready to face every change,” said Mr Nuttaphong, suggesting his deepest preparation is not political strategy, but profound self-mastery.

BAM, banks to form 2 new bad debt ventures

…

Mr Rak says each JV-AMC will begin operations with a bad asset base of 10 billion baht.

Bangkok Commercial Asset Management Plc (BAM) expects to establish two new joint venture asset management companies (JV-AMCs), aligning with the government’s new debt resolution programme.

BAM, the country’s largest AMC, is setting up the JV-AMCs in partnership with two commercial banks. Each JV-AMC will manage the secured non-performing loans (NPLs) of its respective partner bank, with the first expected to be established by the end of this year, said chief executive Rak Vorrakitpokatorn.

Each JV-AMC will initially begin operations with a bad asset base of around 10 billion baht, he said.

The assets under management are expected to expand to roughly 30-50 billion baht per JV-AMC within 3-5 years, after which the portfolio size will be maintained, said Mr Rak.

“Under the JV-AMC model, BAM does not need to raise new capital to support the NPL management programme. The company also plans to rehire retired employees to strengthen its debt resolution efforts,” he said.

The two new JV-AMCs align with the government’s “Clear Debt, Move Forward” debt resolution initiative, expanding BAM’s portfolio beyond its two existing JV-AMCs. BAM operates Ari AMC, a joint venture with Government Savings Bank, and Arun AMC, a partnership with Kasikornbank.

As of September 2025, total NPLs under management by Ari and Arun tallied 9.66 billion baht, of which 87% were unsecured loans.

Ari AMC managed bad assets worth 9.47 billion baht, comprising entirely secured loans. During the first nine months of the year, Ari and Arun reported net profits of 82 million baht and 73 million baht, respectively.

The government’s initiative employs the AMC framework to target small borrowers with total NPLs of less than 100,000 baht per person. The programme is scheduled to launch on Jan 1, 2026.

Under the scheme, unsecured NPLs from banks and their subsidiaries are transferred to Sukhumvit Asset Management, the country’s second-largest AMC supervised by the Bank of Thailand.

Meanwhile, NPLs from state-owned specialised financial institutions are transferred to Ari AMC.

In addition, Mr Rak said the company plans to manage NPLs in the banking sector through another partnership model known as profit-sharing management.

BAM previously adopted this model in collaboration with TMBThanachart Bank to manage the bank’s distressed debt portfolio.

BAM expects its total NPL portfolio to increase to 597 billion baht by the end of 2025, up from 587 billion as of August.

For the first nine months of the year, the company reported a net profit of 1.69 billion baht, a 57% year-on-year increase, driven primarily by cash collections of 13.8 billion baht, up 27% from the previous year.

Rice mills call for action as prices deteriorate

…

Mr Banjong says many mills invested in rice at higher prices, with 5-6 million tonnes of paddy left in storage.

As Thai rice prices have hit a 20-year low, more than 90% of rice mills are facing losses while farmers are struggling with debt repayment.

Banjong Tangjitwattanakul, president of the Thai Rice Mills Association, highlighted the sharp decline in paddy and white rice prices, which have reached a 20-year low.

Prices have plummeted by 50% from last year, when white rice was selling at 10,000-12,000 baht a tonne.

The price of 15% moisture paddy has fallen to 6,200 baht a tonne, while the price of fresh paddy with 25% moisture is down to 5,000 baht a tonne.

The downturn has also caused price reductions for by-products, with the price of rice bran decreasing by 40% and that of broken rice falling by 35-40%, resulting in more than 90% of rice mills experiencing a drop in revenue and significant losses.

He said many mills previously invested in rice at higher prices through a government programme that offered interest subsidies for stockpiling, with 5-6 million tonnes of paddy left in storage. Supply has outpaced demand, leading to sharp price declines.

Mr Banjong called on the government to reconsider the grain import policy for corn, wheat and barley, which he said exerts additional pressure on domestic rice prices.

These imports are affecting the prices of related by-products, further exacerbating the decline in the rice market, he said.

Pramote Charoensilp, president of the Thai Agriculturist Association, said the Commerce Ministry has to intervene to stabilise rice prices and address rising production costs, such as fertilisers and pesticides. Farmers are facing significant financial losses this year, and many may struggle to meet debt repayments.

The Crops Grower and Merchandise Association called on the government to revoke the decision allowing the import of genetically modified organism feed corn with a quota of 1 million tonnes and an import tax exemption.

Terdsak Lapjitkusol, president of the association, said Thailand has an adequate supply of local raw materials that provide energy, and it does not need to rely on wheat or other substitutes.

Feed corn is recognised as a key source of energy, noted the association.

For 2024, Thailand was projected to have had a domestic surplus in several energy grains, including 4.56 million tonnes of corn, 1.96 million tonnes of tapioca, 2.86 million tonnes of rice bran, and 3.72 million tonnes of broken rice.

The association said Thailand has 13.1 million tonnes of local raw materials that are sources of energy for livestock.

The country’s feed demand was estimated at 21.1 million tonnes in 2024, with energy grains making up 60% of total raw materials, equivalent to 12.7 million tonnes.

The association urged the government to encourage local feed mills to source domestic raw materials and establish clear guidelines for purchasing those materials, aiming to enhance trade liquidity.

The group requested the government postpone the import of energy grains, with effective management of domestic supplies to address the current surplus.

Petroleum marketers blame bureaucratic challenge, delays for soaring operational costs

Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has called on the government to ensure implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in wa…

Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has called on the government to ensure implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in ways that addresses procedural hurdles and administrative delays, stating that they still raise costs and slow investment in the sector.

Muhammad Kassim, representative of the Association, stated this while speaking at the 2025 annual conference of the Energy Correspondents Association of Nigeria, held in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Kassim, the PIA replaces longstanding ambiguity with a clearer legal and institutional architecture that can support stronger governance, attract responsible investment, protect public interests, and promote a competitive market that benefits consumers.

He however stressed that while policy and institutional design are essential, policy alone will not deliver results for citizens, adding that implementation remains the critical next phase.

He said, “Progress on social provisions, including establishment of Host Community Development Trusts, has been uneven, and capacity and coordination gaps continue to slow effective delivery. We must also ensure the new framework is applied in ways that prevent market concentration, guarantee open access to critical infrastructure, and protect consumers
from anti-competitive behaviour.

“Coordination across institutions and levels of government must be tightened. Where roles overlap or communication is weak, projects slow down and opportunities are lost. Second, capacity building is urgent, new mandates require regulatory staff, technical teams, and industry partners with up-to-date skills in licensing, monitoring, technical assessment, and market regulation.

“Procedural hurdles and administrative delays still raise costs and slow investment and service delivery. Effective stakeholder engagement with host communities, civil society, and consumers is not optional; it is central to legitimacy and sustainable outcomes.”

Kassim emphasised the need to streamline processes and remove avoidable delays, review licensing and permit workflows with the objective of eliminating redundant steps, he added that faster, predictable processes reduce cost and encourage responsible investment.

Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), said that the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, has ushered in a new era of governance, fiscal reform, and institutional realignment in the Nigerian petroleum industry.

He noted that in terms of environmental sustainability, the PIA makes provisions to address pressing environmental concerns, notably through the Gas Flare Commercialisation Program (NGFCP), which aims to achieve zero gas flaring by 2030, and other provisions for promoting sustainability practices across the oil and gas sector.

Sweden picks tastiest water

By Alimat Aliyeva
The final of the national competition for Sweden’s tastiest tap
water was held in Stockholm, with the municipality of Elvsbyun
taking first place, Azernews reports.
The jury, chaired by wine expert Gunilla Hultgren Karell,
praised the…

By Alimat Aliyeva

The final of the national competition for Sweden’s tastiest tap
water was held in Stockholm, with the municipality of Elvsbyun
taking first place, Azernews reports.

The jury, chaired by wine expert Gunilla Hultgren Karell,
praised the fresh taste and refined character of Elvsbyun’s water.
“This year, the competition was especially strong,” Karell
noted.

Over a period of three weeks, the jury traveled across the
country, sampling water from more than 80 municipalities. The
twenty finalists were evaluated based on taste, purity, and
thirst-quenching ability.

Karell highlighted that differences in water quality are
noticeable even between countries. In the spring, she conducted a
water tasting at the European Parliament, comparing tap water from
across the continent.

“Tap water is available all over Europe, but often it contains a
lot of chlorine. Sweden and Finland came out on top in that
tasting, and Slovenia also had excellent water. The rest is
drinkable, but not always particularly tasty,” she said.

She also noted that Swedes often take the quality of their water
for granted, as it is clean, fresh, and flows straight from the
tap.

“For us, the chlorinated taste is a nightmare, but for
Americans, if the water doesn’t smell of chlorine, they immediately
become concerned,” Karell added.

According to her, tasting water requires concentration
comparable to tasting fine wine: “The differences are subtle, but
that’s the beauty of it. Truly good water should be fresh, clear,
and genuinely thirst-quenching.”

For the past five years, the title had been held by the
municipality of Heganes, but this year it did not qualify for the
finals. Experts emphasize that the quality of Swedish tap water
remains exceptionally high, and Elvsbyun can now proudly claim to
have the most delicious water in the country.

Beyond taste, Sweden’s tap water is also highly sustainable. It
is naturally filtered, rich in minerals, and safe to drink straight
from the tap—helping reduce the country’s reliance on bottled water
and its environmental footprint.

First-ever Solidarity Forum of NGOs from Turkic States to be held in Azerbaijan

For the first time, Azerbaijan will host the Solidarity Forum of
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) of the Member States of the
Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), bringing together civil
society representatives from across the Turkic world.
Accord…

According to the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental
Organisations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the forum will take
place from 23 to 26 November 2025. The official opening ceremony is
scheduled for 24 November at the Gulustan Palace in Baku.

The forum will feature panel discussions on key regional themes,
including “The Zangezur Corridor: A Bridge Connecting the Turkic
World” and “Towards WUF13 – A First for the Turkic World”.

Nearly 300 NGO representatives from Azerbaijan, Türkiye,
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, and the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are expected to
participate.

As part of the event, the First Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan NGO
Cooperation Forum will also be held, aiming to strengthen bilateral
civil society ties between the two nations.

Following its sessions in Baku, the forum will continue in the
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, where the establishment of the
Platform of NGOs of the Member States of the Organisation of Turkic
States is expected to be officially announced. The new platform
will unite NGOs from all eight participating countries under a
shared framework of cooperation.

This initiative builds on Azerbaijan’s growing leadership in
global civil society cooperation. Earlier this year, Baku hosted
the founding meeting of the Global South NGO Platform, bringing
together representatives from regions covering two-thirds of the
world’s population. In 2025, Azerbaijan also hosted the first
meeting of NGOs from the D-8 group of Muslim-majority countries,
representing 60% of the global Muslim population.

During the Azerbaijan NGO Cooperation Forum held in Khankendi on
20 October 2025, participants highlighted that the greatest
achievement of Azerbaijani NGOs over the past two years has been
their expanding international engagement. The establishment of the
new Turkic States NGO Platform marks another major step in this
direction, symbolising the growing solidarity and institutional
partnership within the Turkic world.

Prosecutors announce sentencing proposals for accused Armenian citizens during trial

The open court session in the criminal cases against citizens of
the Republic of Armenia – Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan,
Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan,
and others—accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity,
war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive
war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as
terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure of power,
violent retention of power, and numerous other crimes as a result
of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on
November 13.

The court session at the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge
Zeynal Agayev and composed of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (with
reserve judge Gunel Samadova), provided each accused person with an
interpreter in the language they know, as well as defense
lawyers.

The session was attended by the accused persons, their
defenders, some of the victims, their legal successors and
representatives, as well as prosecutors upholding the state
prosecution.

The court session continued with the closing statements of the
prosecutors upholding the state prosecution.

Tughay Rahimli, Assistant to the Prosecutor General on special
assignments, spoke and expressed his position on the
characterization of the criminal acts in the charges brought
against the accused persons.

He noted that UN Security Council Resolutions 822, 853, 874, and
884 confirm that the sovereign territories of the Republic of
Azerbaijan were occupied as a result of Armenia’s military
aggression, thereby confirming that Armenia waged an aggressive war
against Azerbaijan.

The closing statement indicated that the aggressive war waged by
Armenia against Azerbaijan was not factually halted even during
periods when no active military operations were conducted.

During the aggressive war, the Armenian armed forces repeatedly
violated the ceasefire, targeting members of the Armed Forces of
the Republic of Azerbaijan lawfully operating on its territory,
civilians, their property, state facilities for civilian purposes,
religious, educational, scientific, and medical facilities, places
where the sick and wounded were located, as well as objects of
significant strategic importance, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
oil pipeline.

It was also stated that the systematic nature and widespread
geographical scope of the torture inflicted by the Armenian armed
forces prove that the application of torture reflected the policy
of the Armenian state.

It was emphasized that Additional Protocol I to the Geneva
Conventions considers “the transfer by the occupying Power of parts
of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies” a
crime. It was noted that during the court investigation, the
accused Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and Bako Sahakyan
confirmed in their statements the transfer of population from
Armenia to the occupied regions of Azerbaijan, particularly to the
Lachin district.

At the same time, these facts were confirmed based on letters
examined during the court investigation, information from Armenian
sources, and data from internet information resources.

It was emphasized that Armenia’s military aggression was not
directed solely at members of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan but
also targeted areas such as the largest cities and districts –
Ganja, Barda, Agjabedi, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Zardab, Kurdamir,
Gabala, and others—as objects of attack.

Thus, the evidence examined in court confirmed that Armenia
occupied the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan and committed
crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and numerous other
particularly serious crimes during and after the military
aggression against Azerbaijan.

Subsequently, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal
Aliyev and Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for Upholding
State Prosecution at the General Prosecutor’s Office, spoke and
voiced the prosecutors’ proposals regarding the punishment to be
imposed for each criminal act of which the accused persons are
charged.

During the speeches, it was also proposed to the court to remove
certain points from the charges brought against the accused persons
and to characterize the acts of the accused persons under a norm of
the criminal law providing for lighter liability compared to some
of the charges brought.

It was emphasized that although the accused Arkadi Ghukasyan,
Bako Sahakyan, and Madat Babayan are charged with committing crimes
providing for life imprisonment, and these charges were proven
during the court investigation, according to the requirements of
the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, life imprisonment
cannot be imposed on them since they reached the age of 65 before
the final court decision, i.e., the verdict, is issued.

It was proposed that Harutyunyan Arayik Vladimiri be found
guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code
of the Republic of Azerbaijan – planning, preparing, initiating,
and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to
international protection; genocide; destruction of the population;
slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced
disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of
international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the
laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian
law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional
murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of
terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization);
illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling,
storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts,
ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to
aviation safety; violent seizure of power and violent retention of
power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state;
creating armed formations and groups not provided for by
legislation—and be finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be
served in a prison. The start of the sentence shall be calculated
from the date of detention – October 3, 2023.

Regarding Mnatsakanyan Levon Henrikhi, it was proposed that he
be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the
Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing,
initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons
entitled to international protection; destruction of the
population; slavery; forced transfer of the population;
persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of
liberty in violation of international law norms; torture;
mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of
international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict;
military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship;
terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association
(organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another
person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their
component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating
a threat to aviation safety; violent seizure of power and violent
retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of
the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by
legislation—and be finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be
served in a prison. The start of the sentence shall be calculated
from the date of detention – September 29, 2023.

It was proposed that Manukyan David Azati be found guilty of
committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the
Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing, initiating, and
conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to
international protection; destruction of the population; slavery;
forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced
disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of
international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the
laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian
law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional
murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of
terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization);
illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling,
storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts,
ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to
aviation safety; violent seizure of power and violent retention of
power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state;
creating armed formations and groups not provided for by
legislation – and be finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be
served in a prison. The start of the sentence shall be calculated
from the date of detention – September 27, 2023.

Regarding Ishkhanyan Davit Rubeni, the proposal stated that he
be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the
Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing,
initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons
entitled to international protection; genocide; destruction of the
population; slavery; forced transfer of the population;
persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of
liberty in violation of international law norms; torture;
mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of
international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict;
military plunder; intentional murder; illegal entrepreneurship;
terrorism; financing of terrorism; creating a criminal association
(organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another
person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their
component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating
a threat to aviation safety; attempt on the life of a state figure;
violent seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent
change of the constitutional order of the state; creating armed
formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and be
finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be served in a prison.
The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention—October 3, 2023.

Regarding Babayan David Klimi, it was proposed that he be found
guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code
of the Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing, initiating, and
conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the population;
slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced
disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of
international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the
laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian
law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional
murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of
terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization);
illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling,
storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts,
ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to
aviation safety; violent seizure of power and violent retention of
power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state;
creating armed formations and groups not provided for by
legislation – and be finally sentenced to life imprisonment, to be
served in a prison. The start of the sentence shall be calculated
from the date of detention – September 28, 2023.

It was proposed that Ghukasyan (Ĝukasyan) Arkadi Arshavir* be
found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal
Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing, initiating,
and conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to
international protection; genocide; destruction of the population;
slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced
disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of
international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the
laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian
law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional
murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of
terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization);
illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling,
storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts,
ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to
aviation safety; attempt on the life of a state figure; violent
seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of
the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations
and groups not provided for by legislation—and be finally sentenced
to 20 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served
in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional
institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention – October 3, 2023.

Regarding Sahakyan Bako Sahaki, it was proposed that he be found
guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code
of the Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing, initiating, and
conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to
international protection; genocide; destruction of the population;
slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced
disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of
international law norms; torture; mercenarism; violation of the
laws and customs of war; violation of international humanitarian
law norms during armed conflict; military plunder; intentional
murder; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism; financing of
terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization);
illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling,
storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts,
ammunition, explosives, and devices; acts creating a threat to
aviation safety; attempt on the life of a state figure; violent
seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of
the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations
and groups not provided for by legislation—and be finally sentenced
to 20 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served
in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional
institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention – October 3, 2023.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention—October 3, 2023.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention – October 3, 2023.

It was proposed that Babayan Madat Arakeli be found guilty of
committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the
Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing, initiating, and
conducting an aggressive war; attacking persons entitled to
international protection; genocide; destruction of the population;
slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced
disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of
international law norms; torture; violation of the laws and customs
of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms;
intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal association
(organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another
person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their
component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; attempt on
the life of a state figure; violent seizure of power and violent
retention of power; violent change of the constitutional order of
the state; creating armed formations and groups not provided for by
legislation—and be finally sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment,
with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining
part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention – September 21, 2023.

Regarding Pashayan Melikset Vladimiri, the proposal stated that
he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the
Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing,
initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the
population; slavery; forced transfer of the population;
persecution; enforced disappearance of persons; deprivation of
liberty in violation of international law norms; torture; violation
of the laws and customs of war; violation of international
humanitarian law norms during armed conflict; intentional murder;
terrorism; creating a criminal association (organization);
illegally acquiring, transferring to another person, selling,
storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their component parts,
ammunition, explosives, and devices; violent seizure of power and
violent retention of power; violent change of the constitutional
order of the state; creating armed formations and groups not
provided for by legislation—and be finally sentenced to 20 years of
imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and
the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention – September 21, 2023.

It was proposed that Martirosyan Garik Grigori be found guilty
of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the
Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing, initiating, and
conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the population;
slavery; forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced
disappearance of persons; deprivation of liberty in violation of
international law norms; torture; violation of the laws and customs
of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms during
armed conflict; intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal
association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to
another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying
weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and
devices; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power;
violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating
armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and
be finally sentenced to 19 years of imprisonment, with the first 10
years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a
strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention – September 21, 2023.

Regarding Allahverdiyan Davit Nelsoni, the proposal stated that
he be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the
Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing,
initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the
population; forced transfer of the population; persecution;
enforced disappearance of persons; violation of the laws and
customs of war; violation of international humanitarian law norms
during armed conflict; intentional murder; terrorism; creating a
criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring,
transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and
carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives,
and devices; violent seizure of power and violent retention of
power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state;
creating armed formations and groups not provided for by
legislation – and be finally sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment,
with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining
part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention – September 21, 2023.

Regarding Balayan Levon Romiki, the proposal stated that he be
found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal
Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing, initiating,
and conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the population;
forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced
disappearance of persons; violation of the laws and customs of war;
violation of international humanitarian law norms during armed
conflict; intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal
association (organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to
another person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying
weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and
devices; violent seizure of power and violent retention of power;
violent change of the constitutional order of the state; creating
armed formations and groups not provided for by legislation – and
be finally sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment, with the first 10
years to be served in a prison and the remaining part in a
strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention – September 21, 2023.

It was proposed that Beqlaryan Vasili Ivani be found guilty of
committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the
Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing, initiating, and
conducting an aggressive war; forced transfer of the population;
persecution; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of
international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict;
military plunder; intentional murder; terrorism; creating a
criminal association (organization); illegally acquiring,
transferring to another person, selling, storing, transporting, and
carrying weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives,
and devices; violent seizure of power and violent retention of
power; violent change of the constitutional order of the state;
creating armed formations and groups not provided for by
legislation—and be finally sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment,
with the first 10 years to be served in a prison and the remaining
part in a strict-regime correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention—September 26, 2023.

Regarding Stepanyan Gurgen Homerosi, the proposal stated that he
be found guilty of committing the crimes provided for in the
Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan – planning, preparing,
initiating, and conducting an aggressive war; destruction of the
population; forced transfer of the population; persecution;
violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of
international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict;
intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal association
(organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another
person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their
component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; violent
seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of
the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations
and groups not provided for by legislation – and be finally
sentenced to 16 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to
be served in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime
correctional institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention – September 21, 2023.

It was proposed that Ghazaryan Erik Roberti be found guilty of
committing the crimes provided for in the Criminal Code of the
Republic of Azerbaijan—planning, preparing, initiating, and
conducting an aggressive war; forced transfer of the population;
persecution; violation of the laws and customs of war; violation of
international humanitarian law norms during armed conflict;
intentional murder; terrorism; creating a criminal association
(organization); illegally acquiring, transferring to another
person, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying weapons, their
component parts, ammunition, explosives, and devices; violent
seizure of power and violent retention of power; violent change of
the constitutional order of the state; creating armed formations
and groups not provided for by legislation—and be finally sentenced
to 16 years of imprisonment, with the first 10 years to be served
in a prison and the remaining part in a strict-regime correctional
institution.

The start of the sentence shall be calculated from the date of
detention – September 27, 2023.

In addition, the court was requested to make a decision
regarding the physical evidence in the criminal case in accordance
with the requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code of the
Republic of Azerbaijan.

The prosecutors upholding the state prosecution requested the
court not to change the preventive measure selected for each of the
accused persons until the verdict enters into legal force.

In court, the representatives of the victims stated that the
charges brought against the accused persons were proven by the
evidence examined during the court investigation, which lasted
nearly a year, the materials studied, the testimonies of
interrogated witnesses and victims, as well as expert opinions and
other evidence.

The representatives of the victims expressed their agreement
with the prosecutors’ proposals regarding the punishment and
requested the court panel to issue a verdict accordingly.

The court process will continue on November 27.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the
criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the
aggressive war waged by the Armenian state – including the
aforementioned criminal association – on the territory of
Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms.
These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression
against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership
and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state
institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations,
through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and
guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized
management; as well as under strict control and under the
leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki
Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen
Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli
Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir
Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The slow degeneration of decorum

We have truly degenerated in Nigeria. Can you imagine a Shehu Shagari as a minister in the First Republic behaving this way? Or a Richard Akinjide in t…

We have truly degenerated in Nigeria. Can you imagine a Shehu Shagari as a minister in the First Republic behaving this way? Or a Richard Akinjide in the second? Or Chief Bola Ige in the Third?

Public life in Nigeria has lost its dignity. The solemnity once associated with leadership has been replaced by swagger, arrogance, and the theatre of absurdity. Once, public office demanded learning, restraint, and a sense of history. Today, it attracts jesters, hustlers, and entertainers whose only creed is self-display.

We now have ministers trading insults, governors behaving like warlords, and senators turning their private lives into public spectacles. Just the other day, a sitting senator of the Federal Republic, Ned Nwoko, was on social media exchanging inanities with his young wife, a woman young enough to be his granddaughter. That embarrassing exchange, watched by millions, perfectly captures the moral and intellectual emptiness of the present political class.

Where are the days when men of gravitas occupied public space? Think of Chief J.A.O. Odebiyi, the senator representing Egbado District of Ogun State in the Second Republic, or Chief Abraham Adesanya. Stand them beside Ned Nwoko, and you will understand how far down the slope we have rolled. While those hunted ideas, this one is hunting virgins. Or compare Okoi Arikpo, Joe Garba, and Bolaji Akinyemi—all distinguished Foreign Ministers at different times—with the current one, Yusuf Tuggar. I was scandalised to see him recently fumbling to defend Nigeria before an international audience after a controversial statement by Donald Trump. He kept fidgeting, asking for a document from an aide, and waving it meaninglessly. It was a tragic metaphor for a nation adrift.

Cambodia-Singapore link QR payments

By Alimat Aliyeva
Cambodia and Singapore have officially launched the first phase
of their cross-border QR code payment connection, according to a
press release from the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC),
Azernews reports, citing foreign media.
The launc…

By Alimat Aliyeva

Cambodia and Singapore have officially launched the first phase
of their cross-border QR code payment connection, according to a
press release from the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC),
Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

The launch event was presided over by NBC Governor Chea Serey on
the sidelines of the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025 on
Wednesday.

“With Phase 1, Cambodian travelers visiting Singapore can now
make payments conveniently, quickly, and securely using the Bakong
app or other mobile banking applications by scanning RoamQR codes
at SGQR-enabled merchants across the country,” the press release
stated. The initiative allows payments in Khmer Riel, promoting the
use of local currencies and removing the need for physical currency
exchanges or payment cards, while enabling real-time
transactions.

The project is seen as a major step forward in enhancing trade,
investment, and tourism between Cambodia and Singapore, supporting
their shared goal of sustainable economic growth. It also aligns
with the vision of an inclusive and interoperable ASEAN payment
ecosystem, fostering stronger regional financial integration.

So far, Cambodia has launched cross-border payment projects with
Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore,
and UnionPay International, highlighting the country’s commitment
to digital payment innovation and regional connectivity.

Experts note that cross-border QR payments not only simplify
transactions for travelers but also boost small businesses and
local merchants, as they can receive international payments
instantly without relying on complex banking infrastructure. This
innovation could serve as a model for other ASEAN nations aiming to
modernize their financial systems.