Category: Azer News

The Finnish government is preparing to ban social media use for children under the age of 15, Azernews reports.

According to the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, the announcement was made on Wednesday by Finland’s Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo.

‘I am very concerned about the inactivity of children and young people. I take this issue very seriously,’ Orpo said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that excessive screen time reduces opportunities for physical activity among children and adolescents, which can negatively impact their health. Beyond individual well-being, he noted, promoting physical activity also benefits public health and strengthens the national economy. Orpo cited a study by Finnish researchers estimating that physical inactivity costs society around 3 billion euros each year.

Orpo also pointed to international examples of similar restrictions. Denmark, France, and Norway have either already implemented comparable bans or are in the process of introducing them.

Research shows that limiting screen time in childhood not only improves physical health but also supports mental well-being, better sleep patterns, and academic performance. Finland’s potential ban could place it at the forefront of global efforts to rethink digital habits for younger generations.

Conflicting reports continue to circulate on the internet and in the media regarding the protests in Iran. Pro-government outlets insist that demonstrations have subsided and claim the situation is under control. Meanwhile, footage of a rally held in Tehran on the night of January 13 flooded social media, directly contradicting official narratives.

International reactions have further complicated the picture. On January 14, headlines reported that several regional countries, including Israel, privately urged the United States not to strike Iran, warning that military action or regime change could destabilise the region and disrupt global oil markets.

Canada has advised its citizens to avoid all travel to Iran and urged those already in the country to leave if possible. A day earlier, the United States issued a similar warning to its citizens, while France withdrew non-essential diplomatic staff. Some observers suggest these moves signal potential U.S. involvement in the unfolding crisis.

True to form, U.S. President Donald Trump shared a post encouraging demonstrators, hinting at support. Although he declined to clarify how Washington might assist, his remarks fueled speculation and raised expectations of regime change.

Since coming to power following the Islamic Revolution, Iran’s government has faced numerous mass demonstrations. The fall of strongmen such as Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, Hosni Mubarak, Bashar al-Assad, and Ali Abdullah Saleh in the past decade has repeatedly raised hopes that Iran’s regime might also collapse. Yet each wave of protests has left expectations unfulfilled, frustrating those who anticipated change.

Speaking to Azernews, Sadig Isabeyli, Head of the Savalan Research Centre and member of the GAMAC Board of Directors, explained that an ideological regime relies on specific mechanisms to ensure continuity, primarily by masking internal discontent and shortcomings.

‘Looking at the processes after 1979, when the Iranian regime was formed under the banner of the Islamic Revolution, we see that Khomeini’s first step was the creation of an ideological military force. Soon after, Hezbollah was established in Lebanon, followed by threats against Iraq. During the eight-year war with Saddam’s regime, many non-Persian youths-especially teenagers aged 14-18-were sent to the frontlines and forced into mine-clearing operations,’ Isabeyli said.

He added that the regime later intensified its ideological propaganda. Branches of the Revolutionary Guards (Sepah Pasdaran) used technical and material resources to build networks and participate in major national projects. Under Ahmadinejad, they began to intervene directly in politics; previously, such interference had been indirect. As their influence grew, so did public discontent, sparking conflicts within institutions. Sepah also pushed for tighter control over citizens. Even today, the issue of compulsory hijab remains unresolved.

‘Therefore, the claim that uprisings have not shaken the regime and will not do so in the future is incorrect. Like other dictatorships, this regime has begun to decay from within, and the signs are visible across all spheres. Ideologically, people no longer accept the narratives promoted by the regime. Assistance to Lebanon and Hezbollah, rooted in sectarianism, is also rejected by the public. The voice saying ‘Enough, leave us alone’ is growing stronger,’ Isabeyli emphasised.

He noted that politically, protests have intensified. Former President Hassan Rouhani repeatedly stressed that armed groups cannot build a parallel state or monopolise media and resources. Yet the regime’s internal problems are accelerating its collapse. According to Isabeyli, the notion that protests or foreign intervention cannot shake the regime is unfounded. From any perspective, the regime is crumbling ideologically, politically, and socially due to its oppression of citizens. Internal dialogue is no longer possible.

‘Such regimes suffer heavy blows in any crisis. Some may argue it is not collapsing, but the facts suggest otherwise: within two days, 12,000 people were killed. Internet and electricity were cut off, phone connections severed. Research indicates the death toll may be between 20,000 and 25,000, though this has not yet been fully proven. However, the killing of 12,000 people is already confirmed. If a regime attacks its own citizens so brutally-killing even children protesting alongside their fathers, using high-calibre weapons such as Kalashnikovs-it reveals its true nature. Witnesses claim that bullets not only kill but also tear bodies apart. This is a regime that has no tolerance and refuses to provide any conditions for its people,’ Isabeyli concluded.

The US administration has announced that it carried out its first oil sale from Venezuela following the military operation and the seizure of Nicolás Maduro in early January, with the deal reportedly valued at $500 million, Azernews reports.

White House officials said additional oil sales are planned in the coming days and weeks as Washington moves to reshape Venezuela’s energy sector after the operation.

The proceeds from the initial sale are being held in bank accounts in Qatar, which US officials have described as a ‘neutral zone’ under American control.

Earlier, President Donald Trump stated that major US oil companies would invest at least $100 billion to help restore Venezuela’s collapsed energy infrastructure. According to Trump, the initiative is aimed at reducing energy prices in the United States while boosting Venezuela’s oil production by around 50 per cent within 18 months.

‘President Trump’s team is facilitating positive, ongoing discussions with oil companies that are ready and willing to make unprecedented investments to restore Venezuela’s oil infrastructure,’ she continued. ‘President Trump is protecting our Western Hemisphere from being taken advantage of by narcoterrorists, drug traffickers, and foreign adversaries.’

Details of the sale were first reported by Semafor. The news outlet also reported that revenue from the deal is being kept in bank accounts controlled by the U.S. government, including one based in Qatar.

In the aftermath of Maduro’s capture, Trump said that the U.S. would ‘run the country’ until a ‘proper and judicious transition’ of power took place. He indicated that the U.S. would take control of the oil industry in the South American nation. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the U.S. plans to seize and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, the funds from which would be disbursed, by the U.S. government, ‘in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people, not corruption, not the regime.’

An international conference addressing the Indian government’s treatment of ethnic minorities will be held in Azerbaijan for the first time on January 16, 2026, organised by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), Azernews reports via BIG’s press statement.

Entitled ‘Racism and Violence Against Sikhs and Other National Minorities in India: Current Realities,’ the event will bring together government officials, human rights experts, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss alleged rights violations and discriminatory practices in India.

According to BIG, participants will include Punjab’s Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Ramesh Singh Arora, senior Indian officials, and prominent representatives of Sikh communities from Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The conference will also host directors of international think tanks, scholars specialising in minority rights, and individuals directly affected by India’s policies.

Discussions will centre on claims of systemic discrimination, violence, and political repression targeting Sikhs and other ethnic minorities. Particular attention will be paid to India’s compliance with international legal obligations, including the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the Convention Against Torture.

Participants will also explore mechanisms to maintain international attention on the issue, including possible investigations by UN human rights bodies, documentation by special rapporteurs, and broader international monitoring of alleged abuses.

The role of non-governmental organisations and academic institutions will be examined, especially their contribution through research, legal analysis, and policy recommendations aimed at influencing international responses.

Sikhism, established in the 15th century, promotes equality irrespective of caste, gender, or language and rejects the caste hierarchy historically prevalent in India. India’s Sikh population exceeds 25 million, with most living in Punjab.

Human rights organisations report that during violent crackdowns in the 1980s, particularly in 1984, thousands of Sikhs were killed and tens of thousands forced to flee abroad. Between 1980 and 1990, numerous Sikhs in Punjab were allegedly abducted or killed without due process. Today, Sikh activists continue to face imprisonment on charges such as separatism, while police operations in Punjab have reportedly intensified. Overseas, attacks against Sikh activists have occurred, with authorities in Canada and the United States attributing some incidents to Indian intelligence agencies.

Much of the Sikh diaspora now resides in Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia, where communities continue to seek international recognition of past abuses and accountability for ongoing repression.

China National Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (CNCEC) has expressed its readiness to further deepen cooperation with Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company (SOCAR), including joint efforts to access international markets, Azernews reports.

Speaking at a meeting at CNCEC headquarters on January 13 with Kenan Mirzayev, CEO of Petkim and head of SOCAR Turkiye’s oil refining and petrochemicals business unit, Mo highlighted the importance of long-term strategic collaboration in energy and chemical engineering, as well as the joint promotion of regional economic development.

Mo noted that CNCEC, a global leader in chemical engineering, possesses extensive experience in international engineering, industrial investment, operations, and research and development of core technologies, having implemented numerous large-scale projects worldwide.

“SOCAR is a pillar of Azerbaijan’s energy sector, with strong positions in global oil, gas, and petrochemical markets,” Mo said.

He added that CNCEC is ready to expand cooperation with SOCAR in technological innovation and international development, aiming to leverage the complementary strengths of both companies as a driving force for China-Azerbaijan collaboration.

For his part, Mirzayev praised CNCEC’s technical potential and leading role in the global energy and chemical industries, emphasizing SOCAR’s international development orientation and its efforts to build a leading regional energy and petrochemical ecosystem.

He said CNCEC’s technological capabilities, engineering expertise, and global operations complement SOCAR’s strategy and open broad opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Mirzayev expressed confidence that industrial transformation could serve as a catalyst for closer collaboration, create new opportunities, strengthen bilateral ties, and contribute to regional economic development.

SOCAR Turkiye is a major integrated energy and industrial company operating in oil refining, petrochemicals, natural gas, trading, and asset management. The company conducts operations through its divisions, including Petkim and the STAR Refinery.

Turkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, has reviewed his ministry’s activities for 2025 and shared the outlook for 2026.

Emphasizing that 2025 was an active year in the transport sector, Uraloglu noted that 44 projects valued at 190 billion lira were officially inaugurated. He added that, together with ongoing projects not yet officially opened, the ministry entered the year with strong momentum, citing the opening of sections of the Konya Ring Road and the Aydin-Denizli Highway early in the year.

On the international stage, Uraloglu highlighted that Istanbul hosted the Global Transport Corridors Forum, which saw participation from 80 countries, including 48 ministers and deputy ministers.

Reflecting on other projects implemented in 2025, the minister said:

“We completed the 30,000th kilometer of divided highways – a target we had set. Beyond that, after the United States, we implemented the world’s second and Europe’s first triple-runway operation at Istanbul Airport. As the year ended, we completely renovated the old terminal building at Sabiha Gökçen Airport and inaugurated it. We also laid the foundations for eight investment projects by Turkish Airlines, including a $2.5 billion project at Istanbul Airport.”

Uraloglu noted that the 5G tender process was completed last year, and that Trk Telekom’s fixed services concession agreement was extended until 2050.

Looking ahead to 2026, he stated that work would continue across road, rail, air, maritime, and communication sectors, adding: “In a few days, on January 19, we will inaugurate the third runway, new tower, and renovated entrance of Ankara Esenboga Airport, with the participation of our President.”

Regarding last year’s completion of 30,000 kilometers of divided highways, Uraloglu said a large-scale event would be held in Istanbul, and noted that on April 1, the first 5G signals – excluding trial phases – would be received.

He also highlighted ongoing projects across the country: “We aim to complete the Ankara-Izmir High-Speed Train (YHT) project up to Afyonkarahisar and will work hard to achieve this. Similarly, we plan to inaugurate the high-speed train line from Bilecik to Bursa within this year. We also aim to open certain sections of the railway project between Halkali and Kapikule. We plan to tender the Esenboga Airport Metro Line in Ankara during the first quarter, or at the latest, the first half of the year.”

Uraloglu emphasized the significance of the Kars-Igdir-Aralik-Dilucu Railway, which spans 224 kilometers and is key to the Zangezur Corridor, noting that foundations were laid last year and work is ongoing.

Regarding the Zangezur Corridor, he said: “The Azerbaijani side is continuing works. In the Nakhchivan region, some tasks remain incomplete. The Azerbaijani side will likely begin work this year. You know the other Zangezur crossing began with U.S. involvement. We expect progress there this year as well. By 2030, we plan to bring the Zangezur Corridor into full operation.”

On the Ankara-Kirikkale (Delice)-Çorum-Samsun Project, which will connect Ankara to the north, Uraloglu added: “Last year, we tendered the section up to Çorum and began construction, progressing very rapidly. In 2026, we will include the section from Çorum to Samsun in the Investment Program. Once approved, we will also tender that section in the first half of the year.”

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has described the joint Armenia-United States statement on the TRIPP connectivity project as another ‘cornerstone document’ of the peace process, following the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani accords signed on August 8, 2025, Azernews reports via Armenian media.

Pashinyan made the remarks at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday while commenting on the TRIPP Implementation Framework published jointly by Armenia and the United States. According to him, after the August 2025 statement, the new document represents the next key step in resolving one of the most principled issues of the peace process, the unblocking of regional communications, at a framework level and with answers to all fundamental questions.

‘The meaning and practical significance of the statement is that peace is being established in our republic and our region through very concrete and practical steps, and it has already become a practical reality,’ Pashinyan said.

He stressed that the emerging peace must be handled with care, noting that Armenia, both as a state and as a society, has little historical experience of long-term peace. According to the prime minister, this makes the transition particularly challenging and requires a new political culture and way of thinking.

‘In our language, mindset, and expressions, the logic of conflict is still very strong, and peace is entering our consciousness very slowly. This is normal, given the experience of the past 35 years. However, what is important is that there are already realities on the ground that should contribute to the formation of a social and psychological environment of peace,’ he said.

Pashinyan also emphasized that significant practical work lies ahead. He underlined the need to formalize the agreements reached within the TRIPP framework as soon as possible through legally binding instruments.

‘We need to begin working on draft agreements, as well as on the necessary legal decisions. In particular, a company named TRIPP must be established in the Republic of Armenia. We also need to define the routes, development rights, land use, and construction permits,’ the prime minister said, adding that state institutions must begin preparatory work immediately.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also reaffirmed on Thursday political will to ensure unhindered connectivity between the main territory of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Armenia within the agreed framework.

He made the comments at the Cabinet meeting while speaking about the TRIPP Implementation Framework.

‘I want to emphasize and reaffirm our political will: within the agreed framework, we are ready, determined, and unequivocally moving in this direction, including in ensuring unhindered communication between the main territory of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, based on the principles we have repeatedly outlined. Our approach is that here as well, we must move away from the logic of conflict and transition to a normal environment and mindset appropriate to peace,’ Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister noted that the process will not be quick in either Armenia or Azerbaijan, as narratives shaped by many years of conflict still persist within both societies. He cited as an example the statements circulating around fuel imports, where mutual accusations are voiced on both sides, claiming that the fuel would allegedly be used for military purposes.

‘We must acknowledge that, in both Armenia and Azerbaijan, the prevailing discourse no longer corresponds to today’s realities, and this is exactly what I mean. At the same time, it is also not right to blame the people, because the logic that has been circulating for around 35 years or more cannot be stopped by a single action, tool, or brake. Therefore, we need to adopt a more practical approach and focus on work, as the tangible benefits of peace can be far more effective than endless debates over various narratives, doubts, or challenges,’ Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to members of the Cabinet, as well as representatives of the government, legislative, and judicial branches and all state institutions, for the support and work demonstrated during this period, which, according to him, made it possible to reach the current stage.

The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a connectivity initiative envisaged under the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani joint declaration signed in Washington, D.C. The project is expected to unlock strategic economic opportunities, encourage infrastructure investment, and enhance regional connectivity as part of the broader normalization and peace process in the South Caucasus.

AFFA has signed a licensing agreement with FIFA with the aim of enhancing the international image of Azerbaijani football, Azernews reports.

The agreement covers selected matches and video content (materials) from competitions organised under the auspices of AFFA during the license period, which runs until September 1, 2028.

The program includes friendly matches and UEFA Nations League qualifying games of Azerbaijan’s women’s national team, two selected matches from each round of the High Girls League, leagues for younger age groups held under AFFA’s banner, as well as documentary films and video content on demand. Additional competitions may also be included by mutual agreement.

The selected content may be presented on FIFA+, FIFA’s official streaming service, to further strengthen the international digital presence of Azerbaijani football and support AFFA’s efforts to expand its global reach.

Formed in 1992, the Azerbaijan Association of Football Federations (AFFA) is the governing body of football in Azerbaijan.

The Association is responsible for overseeing all aspects of amateur and professional games in its territory.

It runs numerous competitions, the most famous of which is the Azerbaijan Cup. AFFA is a member of both UEFA and FIFA.

Western Industrial Park has been established in Azerbaijan’s Ganja city and Shamkir district, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

The decree has determined that the Western Industrial Park is an area that has the necessary infrastructure and management structures for the implementation of entrepreneurial activity, is used for the purpose of producing competitive products and providing services through the application of modern technologies, and contributes to the effective activity and development of entrepreneurs.

The activities of the Western Industrial Park and its management and development shall be carried out by the Economic Zones Development Agency (hereinafter referred to as the agency) under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan.

In order to ensure the implementation of design work for the organization of the activities of the Western Industrial Park, bringing its territory into a usable condition, and the creation of external and internal infrastructure (electricity and heat energy, gas, water, sewage, communications, transport, fire protection, production-oriented, administrative, social, and other infrastructure facilities), 500,000 manat ($294,000) has been initially allocated to the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan from the reserve fund of the President of Azerbaijan provided for in the 2026 state budget of Azerbaijan.

The Cabinet of Ministers was instructed to ensure the permanent use of 81.8 hectares of land belonging to the category of industrial, transport, communication, defense and other lands, owned by the state-owned “Azeraluminium” LLC, located on the Yevlakh highway in Ganja city and managed by the Azerbaijan Investment Holding, for the operation of the Western Industrial Park within three months, with the right to lease, and to change the designation of 100 hectares of agricultural land located in the territory of Konullu village of Shamkir district, owned by the municipality, to the category of industrial, transport, communication, defense and other lands, as well as to ensure the necessary measures are taken to involve it in the operation of the Western Industrial Park in accordance with the “Model regulations on industrial parks” and other regulatory legal acts approved by the Decree No. 865 of the President of Azerbaijan dated April 24, 2013, to inform the President of Azerbaijan about the implementation of the measures provided for in this decree, and to resolve other issues arising from this decree.

The Ministry of Economy was instructed to determine the priority areas for industrial products produced and processed in the Western Industrial Park, as well as the services provided, within two months and inform the President of Azerbaijan, to assist the agency in ensuring the creation of external and internal infrastructure (electricity and heat energy, gas, water, sewage, communications, transport, fire protection, production, administrative, social and other infrastructure facilities) in the territory of the Western Industrial Park and the provision of other services for the effective implementation of entrepreneurial activity, and to take necessary measures to resolve other issues arising from this decree.

The Ministry of Finance has been directed to allocate funding as outlined in the decree.

The International Mugham Center in Baku has hosted a grand celebration in honor of the 65th birthday of the acclaimed clarinetist Hakim Abdullayev, Azernews reports.

Known for his unique style as a wind instrument performer, Abdullayev was congratulated by numerous friends from the world of music, including instrumentalists and khanendas (mugham singers), who presented an extensive and fascinating concert program.

The jubilee evening featured performances by People’s Artists Aghaverdi Pashayev and Agajabrail Abasaliyev, PhDs in Art Studies Ehsan Rahmanli and Aydin Aliyev, Honored Artist Akif Gurbatov, as well as Mirkhalid Salayev, head of the instrumental ensemble of the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater.

Their performances highlighted Abdullayev’s exceptional artistry, emphasizing that he has always been beloved by audiences as a virtuoso and innovative performer.

His mesmerizing renditions on both the balaban and the clarinet consistently delight music enthusiasts.

Throughout his long and illustrious career, Hakim Abdullaev has continued his creative work as a soloist at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic and the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater, earning recognition as both a soloist and accompanist.

Critics and writers note that Hakim Abdullayev’s playing is strong and expressive, and that his recordings from the 1980s spread widely across Azerbaijan and neighboring regions, helping make him well-known beyond his home country.

The jubilee evening continued with vibrant and diverse musical performances, accompanied by the ensemble of the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater, as well as performances by renowned instrumentalists, khanendes, and the “Gaytagi” ensemble under the direction of People’s Artist Anvar Sadigov.

At the conclusion of the evening, Hakim Abdullayev sharing his reflections, saying:

“It is a great honor and happiness for me to see so many dear people around me today – my colleagues, friends, and students. Music has always been and remains the meaning of my life. If my performances have touched the hearts of listeners, it means I have been on the right path. I sincerely thank the organizers of this evening, all the artists who participated in the concert, and the audience for the warm atmosphere, attention, and love. This support inspires me toward new creative endeavors and achievements.”

The audience responded with overwhelming admiration, giving standing ovations after each performance.

Many attendees expressed that the concert was a moving tribute to Abdullayev’s lifelong dedication to music.