Category: Azer News

One of the key measures aimed at ensuring the social adaptation of individuals released from penitentiary institutions is providing them with employment opportunities, Azernews reports. This initiative plays a vital role in helping former inmates reintegrate into society and become productive members of the workforce.

According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, 1,218 individuals from this category have been covered by active employment measures in the first 11 months of this year. The State Employment Agency, operating under the Ministry, has played a central role in organizing these programs.

Of these 1,218 individuals, 919 have been provided with suitable jobs. This is an important step in helping them rejoin the workforce and gain financial independence. Furthermore, 254 individuals have been included in the self-employment program, which supports them in establishing small family farms.

Additionally, 45 unemployed individuals have been enrolled in vocational training courses. These courses are designed to improve their skills and enhance their employability in various industries.

On December 29, the weather in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula is expected to be partly cloudy, occasionally cloudy, and mostly dry, Azernews reports the National Hydrometeorology Service.

A moderate southwest wind will blow. The air temperature will be 1-3°C at night and 6-9°C during the day. Atmospheric pressure will be 750 mmHg. Relative humidity will be 80-85 percent at night and 60-65 percent during the daytime.

In the regions of Azerbaijan, the weather is expected to be mostly dry. However, during the day, precipitation, including snow, is expected to begin in mountainous areas. In some places, it may be heavy. Fog is expected occasionally in some areas. The west wind will occasionally strengthen in certain locations. Nighttime temperatures will range from -2°C to 3°C, daytime temperatures from 5-9°C. In the mountains, temperatures will be -5°C to -10°C at night, -10°C to -15°C in high mountain areas, and -1°C to -6°C during the day. Some mountain roads may be icy at night and in the morning.

In Nakhchivan city, as well as in Julfa, Ordubad, Sadarak, Shahbuz, and Sharur, mostly dry weather is expected. However, during the day, occasional precipitation, including snow, is expected, with some areas possibly experiencing heavy snowfall. Fog is expected occasionally. A west wind will blow. Nighttime temperatures will range from -2°C to -7°C, daytime temperatures from 0-5°C. Some roads may be icy at night and in the morning.

In Khankandi, Shusha, Khojaly, Khojavend, Fuzuli, Agdam, as well as Dashkasan-Gadabay and Goygol, mostly dry weather is expected. However, during the day, occasional precipitation, including snow, is expected, with some areas possibly experiencing heavy snowfall. Fog is expected occasionally, and a west wind will blow. Nighttime temperatures will range from -3°C to -8°C, daytime temperatures from 0-5°C. Some roads may be icy at night and in the morning.

In Eastern Zangazur-Jabrayil, Kalbajar, Gubadli, Lachin, and Zangilan-mostly dry weather is expected. However, from daytime, precipitation, including snow, is expected in mountainous areas, with some places possibly experiencing heavy snowfall. Fog is expected occasionally, and the west wind will occasionally strengthen in some areas. Nighttime temperatures will range from -5°C to -10°C, daytime temperatures from 0-4°C.

In Gazakh, Ganja, Samukh, Goranboy, Tartar, Shamkir, Tovuz, and Naftalan, mostly dry weather is expected. However, by evening, precipitation, including snow, is expected mainly in mountainous areas, with some places possibly experiencing heavy snowfall. Fog is expected occasionally, and the west wind will occasionally strengthen. Nighttime temperatures will range from -3°C to 2°C, daytime temperatures from 3-7°C.

In Balakan, Zagatala, Gakh, Shaki, Oghuz, Gabala, Ismayilli, Agsu, Shamakhi, Siyazan, Shabran, Khizi, Guba, Khachmaz, and Gusar, mostly dry weather is expected. However, some eastern districts may experience light precipitation at night. Fog is expected occasionally, and the west wind will occasionally strengthen in some areas. Nighttime temperatures will range from -1°C to -6°C, daytime temperatures from 1-6°C. In the mountains, nighttime temperatures will range from -5°C to -10°C, in high mountain areas -10°C to -14°C, and daytime temperatures from 0-5°C. Some mountain roads may be icy at night and in the morning.

In Yevlakh, Agdash, Kurdamir, Imishli, Agjabadi, Barda, Beylagan, Sabirabad, Mingachevir, Bilasuvar, Saatli, Goychay, Ujar, Shirvan, Hajigabul, Zardab, Salyan, and Neftchala, mostly dry weather is expected. Fog is expected occasionally, and the west wind will occasionally strengthen in some areas. Nighttime temperatures will range from -2°C to 3°C, daytime temperatures from 5-9°C.

In Masalli, Yardimli, Lerik, Lankaran, Astara, Bilasuvar, and Jalilabad, mostly dry weather is expected. However, some areas may experience precipitation at night and in the evening, including snow in mountainous areas. Fog is expected occasionally.

A northeast wind will blow. Nighttime temperatures will range from 0-3°C, daytime temperatures from 4-8°C. In the mountains, nighttime temperatures will range from -2°C to -5°C, and daytime temperatures from 0-2°C.

Unstable weather conditions continue to prevail in several mountainous and foothill areas of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azernews reports.

Snowfall began late last evening in the villages of Bichenek and Kuku in the Shahbuz district, as well as in the Batabat plateau and the Paragachay settlement of the Ordubad district.

The snow cover has reached 3 centimeters in Kuku, 4 centimeters in both Paragachay and Bichenek, and 5 centimeters in the Batabat plateau. In the high-altitude mountainous areas of Ordubad, located at approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, snow depth has increased significantly, reaching up to 25 centimeters.

The snowfall has added a winter landscape to the region, particularly in the higher elevations, while relevant services continue to monitor weather conditions and road safety in the affected areas.

The draft bill proposing the removal of restrictions on assistance to Azerbaijan has been published on the official website of the US Congress, Azernews reports.

The document highlights that Azerbaijan has been a consistent and reliable partner of the United States and its allies since gaining independence, providing vital cooperation during both wartime and peacetime. It also emphasizes Azerbaijan’s demonstrated commitment to promoting peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

According to the bill, Azerbaijan has reached a peace agreement recognizing the mutual borders and territorial integrity of both Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia.

The legislation calls for the repeal of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, stipulating that the relevant provision be eliminated from the law.

The bill was submitted to Congress on December 9 by Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna.

This week, the average prices of Azeri Light CIF, Azeri Light FOB Ceyhan, and Dated Brent crude oil experienced fluctuations, Azernews reports.

The average price of Azeri Light CIF oil, produced at Azerbaijan’s Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli field, rose by $2.62, or 4.1 percent, from the previous week, reaching $66.16 per barrel. During the week, its highest price was $66.62 per barrel, while the lowest was $65.71 per barrel.

For Azeri Light crude oil on FOB terms at the Turkish port of Ceyhan, the average price fell by $2.62, or 4.3 percent, to $64.08 per barrel. The maximum price during the period was $64.53 per barrel, and the minimum was $63.64 per barrel.

URALS oil averaged $34.14 per barrel, marking an increase of $2.13, or 6.7 percent, compared to last week. Its weekly high reached $34.62 per barrel, while the low was $33.66 per barrel.

Dated Brent crude oil averaged $63.02 per barrel for the week, up $2.11, or 3.5 percent, from the previous week. The highest price recorded was $63.52 per barrel, and the lowest was $62.46 per barrel.

It is worth noting that data for December 25 and 26 have not been released due to public holidays in the United Kingdom.

Secretary General of the Azerbaijan National Paralympic Committee, Togrul Rahimov has announced that the Committee would expand its cooperation with sports federations, Azernews reports.

This information was shared during a press conference summarizing the results of the year.

In his remarks, Togrul Rahimov underlined that National Paralympic Committee strives to cooperate with the Azerbaijan Taekwondo and Shooting Federations:

“We are discussing cooperation opportunities with several federations. We plan to work together to involve people with disabilities in these sports and implement joint projects. We are also in talks with the Ministry of Science and Education. With their support, we aim to engage children with disabilities in sports,” he added.

Note that Azerbaijan made its Paralympic Games debut at the 1996 Summer Paralympics in Atlanta, competing in track and field and power lifting. In the same year, the National Paralympic Committee was established.

Since 1996, national paralympians have taken part in many international competitions and six Paralympic Games. They enriched the country’s medal haul with multiple awards.

The Azerbaijani Paralympic team has made significant progress since the Tokyo 2020 Games, where they won 14 medals, including 4 gold, 4 silver, and 6 bronze.

At the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games, the Paralympic team earned 11 medals, including 4 silver and 5 bronze.

At the official event dedicated to the 2025 sports results, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Azercell Telecom LLC was recognized as one of the country’s best supporters of sports for its contribution to the development of athletics in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The ceremony was attended by heads of sports federations and organizations, media representatives, renowned athletes, coaches, and members of the sports community.

Azercell has long been actively promoting sports development and a healthy lifestyle through various initiatives. The company collaborates with national sports federations and contributes to social projects for children and youth in this field.

Among its initiatives, the ‘White Suits Girls’ project, implemented in partnership with the Azerbaijan Judo Federation (AJF), highlighted the issue of early marriage while encouraging young girls to engage in sports and adopt a healthy lifestyle. The project involved 1,000 girls aged 7-14 in judo classes. Another joint social initiative, ‘This is the Way’, aims to steer youth away from harmful habits and promote healthy living.

Since 2017, Azercell has also been a partner of the Paralympic Committee, further demonstrating its long-term commitment to supporting sports as a tool for social change. Through these efforts, Azercell showcases a strategic approach to creating sustainable social impact via the development of sports in Azerbaijan.

In line with President Ilham Aliyev’s directive, the ‘Great Return’ initiative to resettle liberated territories continues, Azernews reports.

In the current phase, 10 families (44 people) have returned to Vengli village in the Agdere district. These families had been temporarily accommodated across the country, mainly in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings.

With this resettlement, the total number of families gradually returning to Vengli village has reached 137 families (532 people).

It should be noted that the Great Return program is a government-led initiative in Azerbaijan aimed at facilitating the return and resettlement of citizens to territories liberated from occupation . Launched under the directives of President Ilham Aliyev, the program focuses on rebuilding infrastructure, ensuring housing, and restoring social and administrative services in these areas to create safe and sustainable living conditions for returning families.

The initiative prioritizes gradual, organized resettlement, providing temporary accommodations such as dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings while permanent housing is being prepared. Beyond physical resettlement, the program also emphasizes the restoration of schools, medical facilities, roads, and other essential public services to revive the local economy and community life.

By implementing the Great Return program, Azerbaijan aims to ensure that liberated regions are fully reintegrated into national life, supporting the social and economic well-being of returning citizens and strengthening long-term stability and development in these territories.

On December 27, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Procurement and Supply JSC organized the From Village to City New Year Agricultural Fair in Khankendi, Azernews reports.

According to the Public Relations Department of the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service for Khankendi city, Agdere, and Khojaly districts, the fair aims to support local farmers in selling their products while providing residents with high-quality agricultural goods at affordable prices.

Farmers participating in the fair offered natural and high-quality products directly from their farms. Many of the goods were sold below market prices, attracting significant interest from buyers. The lively atmosphere throughout the day indicated that residents welcomed the initiative positively.

Organized in the liberated territories, the fair not only created a festive New Year mood for city residents but also ensured satisfaction for both local producers and consumers, fostering stronger community connections and supporting the local economy.

Samvel Babayan, once the ‘commander’ of the so-called Artsakh Defense Army and ex-‘secretary’ of the self-proclaimed Artsakh National Security Council, has returned to the spotlight with a blunt and uncompromising critique of the Armenian authorities. His timing, right before the June parliamentary elections, raises eyebrows, but his words strike at the unresolved legacy of Garabagh and the failures of Armenian leadership.

In a recent Facebook post, Babayan directly challenged Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, accusing him of manipulating public perception. Pashinyan, he argued, falsely equates the right of return for displaced Garabagh Armenians with the broader Garabagh movement. ‘Those who talk about unresolved problems do not want war. War arises from problems that are ignored,’ Babayan wrote. He warns that ignoring these issues only leaves a ticking time bomb for the future.

Babayan did not spare Pashinyan’s contradictions. From declaring ‘Artsakh is Armenia’ to later disclaiming a mandate to negotiate for the Garabagh people, and finally limiting himself to social security guarantees, the Armenian leader, Babayan, asserts, left the Garabagh population exposed. The result: defeat, forced migration, and a community of de facto refugees stripped of citizenship, home, and meaningful opportunities for integration.

The former commander also reminded the public that the resolution of Garabagh is not solely in the hands of Pashinyan or Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The matter is inherently geopolitical, tied to broader international processes. Evading responsibility, Babayan warns, risks fueling a larger and potentially more destructive conflict.

Babayan’s own background makes his critique particularly striking.

Once a separatist, he had kept his distance from the Artsakh authorities before Azerbaijan’s 2023 anti-terrorist operation, even advocating coexistence with Garabagh Azerbaijanis. Yet, after Azerbaijan reasserted control, Babayan was allowed to live in Yerevan unharmed, a fate denied to other separatist leaders currently facing trial.

Now, he has aligned himself with anti-Pashinyan forces, a move that appears calculated. Whether driven by election politics, Moscow’s influence, or diaspora networks, his return illustrates how the ‘Garabagh Armenians’ factor continues to serve as a potent political instrument in Armenia.

What is notably absent from Babayan’s rhetoric is Azerbaijan. His statements are not about Baku, borders, or negotiations. They are entirely inward-facing, aimed squarely at Armenia’s domestic audience. This is not a foreign policy intervention; it is an internal political marketing effort.

And therein lies the core issue. The concept of ‘Garabagh Armenians’ is becoming increasingly abstract. Many of those who relocated to Armenia are not mobilizing politically; they are trying to survive, integrate, or leave altogether. Faced with social resentment and economic hardship, they seek normalcy, not slogans. Over time, this reality erodes the effectiveness of Garabagh as a mass political cause.

But abstraction has its advantages. Precisely because it is difficult to define or ‘resolve,’ the Garabagh factor remains a convenient instrument. It can be invoked without clear policy proposals, without responsibility, and without accountability. As long as it exists as a floating symbol of injustice and loss, different political actors will attempt to monetize it, especially against Pashinyan.

Samvel Babayan did not speak out by chance. He was not merely invited into the debate; he was pushed into it. And he understands that silence may now carry its own risks. His return signals not a revival of Garabagh politics, but its final transformation: from a territorial dispute into a domestic pressure lever.

His outspokenness highlights a hard truth: the unresolved Garabagh issue is now as much a domestic Armenian political weapon as it is a geopolitical challenge. Elections, political maneuvering, and promises aside, the lives of those displaced from Garabagh remain at the center, and their voices, still largely unheard, continue to shape the contours of Armenia’s political battlefield.

As Armenia approaches elections, this lever will be pulled again and again. Not because it offers solutions, but because it still works, just enough.