Category: Azer News

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Founder and Head of the IDEA Public Union, has visited the city of Mingachevir and got acquainted with the rowing base, Azernews reports.

Leyla Aliyeva was provided with detailed information about the activities of the “Kura” Olympic Training and Sports Center, located on the Kura River, the infrastructure created there, the training process of athletes, and the achievements attained. It was noted that the “Kura” Olympic Training and Sports Center is one of the most unique rowing facilities in Europe and the CIS region.

The center serves as one of the main training bases for the national rowing team. Modern standards have been met to create conditions for athletes of various age groups to train professionally. Necessary infrastructure, sports equipment, and systems ensuring compliance with safety requirements have been provided.

During the meeting, the efforts made to attract young people to a healthy lifestyle, promote rowing as a sport, and strengthen sports infrastructure in the region were also highlighted.

Leyla Aliyeva observed the rowing training process and had a heartfelt conversation with the athletes.

The U.S. administration has confirmed plans to impose restrictions on tourist visas for individuals with obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions, Azernews reports.

This was stated by Deputy White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly, who noted that for over a century, the State Department has had the authority to restrict entry to visitors who might become a financial burden on taxpayers or require government-provided medical care.

Kelly added that the Trump administration fully supports this policy, emphasizing a ‘America First’ approach. The new rules are considered a stricter interpretation of existing regulations, introduced amid public criticism of the U.S. government, and are intended to deny entry to individuals who may later need government assistance.

According to a report by the Washington Post, the State Department has instructed all U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide to consider applicants’ health conditions, particularly chronic illnesses, when evaluating visa approvals.

Experts have pointed out that while the policy is technically an extension of long-standing regulations, it is likely to spark international debate over public health, discrimination, and the balance between national security and humanitarian considerations. Some analysts suggest that such measures could have significant implications for global tourism, international relations, and perceptions of U.S. openness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The International Investors Association (YASED) has published
its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Numbers Bulletin following
the release of the Turkish Central Bank’s Balance of Payments
statistics.

According to the bulletin, Türkiye attracted $1.8 billion in FDI
inflows in August, bringing the total for the first eight months of
the year to $10.6 billion. This represents a 58% increase compared
to the same period in 2024. Since 2003, the cumulative value of FDI
inflows into Türkiye has exceeded $284 billion.

Of the $1.8 billion in total FDI recorded in August, $1.5
billion came in the form of equity capital investments, while $137
million was attributed to debt instruments and $202 million to real
estate purchases by foreigners. After accounting for $90 million in
divestments, the net FDI inflow stood at $1.8 billion.

In August, the information and communication sector dominated
FDI inflows with $1 billion, accounting for 69% of total equity
capital investments. The wholesale and retail trade sector
followed, drawing 10% of total investments for the month.

During the first eight months of the year, the leading sectors
for foreign investment were:

Wholesale and retail trade: $2.5 billion

Information and communication: $1.2 billion

Food manufacturing: $1.2 billion

From 2003 to 2024, European Union (EU-27) countries accounted
for 58% of total FDI inflows to Türkiye. In the first eight months
of 2025, that share surged to 91%.

In August 2025, Luxembourg ranked as the largest investor
country with 71% of total inflows, followed by the Netherlands
(14%), Switzerland (2%), Azerbaijan (2%), and Ireland (2%).

Cumulatively for the first eight months of 2025, the top three
source countries were:

The Netherlands – $2.5 billion

Kazakhstan – $1.1 billion

Luxembourg – $1.1 billion

Meanwhile, early-stage FDI Markets data for the first half of
the year showed that global greenfield investment announcements
exceeded $700 billion. This marks only the third time since 2003
that the $700 billion threshold has been surpassed.

Among the 7,400 projects announced worldwide, 62 mega
projects—each valued at over $1 billion—accounted for one-third of
total capital commitments. Data centers and semiconductor
facilities led the way, with 24 mega deals worth around $300
billion in combined investment pledges.

Despite rising electricity demand driven by artificial
intelligence and cloud computing, renewable energy investments saw
a decline, falling from $147 billion in the first half of 2024 to
$83 billion in the same period of 2025.

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By Alimat Aliyeva

Estonia is set to expand its diplomatic footprint next year by
opening embassies in five countries, Foreign Minister Margus
Tsahkna announced, Azernews reports.

“Estonia’s global presence must be strengthened. The year 2026
will be a landmark in our foreign policy, as we plan to open five
new embassies. This move will enhance our influence in Latin
America, sub-Saharan Africa, and key candidate and partner
countries of the European Union,” Tsahkna said.

The new embassies will be established in Azerbaijan, Armenia,
Moldova, Brazil, and Kenya.

“Having a physical presence allows for more effective
communication with governments, businesses, and civil society,”
Tsahkna added, emphasizing the importance of personal engagement in
international relations.

The expansion reflects Estonia’s growing ambition to play a more
active role on the global stage, not just within Europe but also in
emerging markets and strategic regions. By establishing embassies
in Brazil and Kenya, Estonia aims to strengthen ties with
fast-growing economies and participate more directly in global
trade, technology, and innovation partnerships.

Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.

Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis.

By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more.

Subscribe

You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper

Thank you!