Category: Azer News

The court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued on October 14.

The open court session, held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with a panel consisting of Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that the accused was provided with an interpreter in his native language, Russian, as well as defense lawyers of his choice.

Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the court panel, the prosecutors representing the state, the interpreters, and others to the victims and their legal heirs attending the trial for the first time, while also explaining their rights and obligations as stipulated by law.

The legal heir of victim Khayal Janbakhishov, his father Kheyrulla Janbakhishov, stated that his son was killed in Aghdara due to the explosion of a mortar shell fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Responding to questions from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, victim Elshad Sheydayev reported sustaining injuries to his arm and leg in Kalbajar as a result of enemy provocations.

Victim Kamiz Ibayev recounted being taken captive in Kalbajar after getting lost in fog, by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups. Answering questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for Defense of State Prosecution at the Prosecutor General’s Office, Ibayev stated that he was blindfolded and taken to an unknown location, subjected to various forms of torture, mistreatment, and beatings during his captivity. In response to questions from Ruben Vardanyan’s lawyer, Avraam Berman, Ibayev clarified that he was held by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups and did not see Vardanyan during his captivity.

Answering questions from the Prosecutor General’s senior assistant Vusal Aliyev, victim Taleh Rzayev reported being wounded in Aghdara due to the explosion of a mortar shell fired by the enemy.

Responding to questions from the Prosecutor General’s special assignments assistant Tugay Rahimli, victim Zaur Alakbarov stated he was injured in Khojavend due to the explosion of an artillery shell fired by the enemy, noting that several others were also injured in the incident.

Victim Gismatpasha Abbaszade, answering questions from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, reported sustaining injuries in Aghdam as a result of enemy fire, adding that another person was also wounded during the incident.

Victim Telman Adigozalov, responding to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, stated he was injured in Khojavend due to artillery fire from the enemy.

Victim Elvin Mammadov reported receiving severe injuries in Aghdam due to fire opened by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups, stating he was in a coma for 23 days and is currently classified as a second-degree disabled person.

Rovshan Hajibalayev reported sustaining injuries in the Sirkhavand village of Aghdara district due to the explosion of an artillery shell fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Teymur Jafarov stated he was wounded in Lachin due to enemy fire, noting that one person was killed and several others injured in the incident.

Agil Guliyev reported being wounded in Aghdam as a result of enemy fire.

Khaqani Guliyev stated in his testimony that he sustained a bullet wound in Aghdam due to enemy fire.

Dayanat Mardani reported being wounded in Aghdam due to enemy provocations.

Victim Sarkhan Rahimov stated that while heading to evacuate wounded individuals in a medical service vehicle in Aghdam, he was injured due to fire opened by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups. He noted that despite the medical vehicle being clearly marked, it was targeted, resulting in injuries to himself and others, while the wounded individuals they were meant to evacuate died due to lack of timely medical assistance.

Anar Seyidov, Turkan Jafarov, and Parviz Adigozalov reported sustaining various injuries in different locations due to fire opened by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Victim Maharram Karimli stated in his testimony that he was wounded in the arm in the Aghdam-Aghdara direction due to sniper fire from the enemy. Responding to a question from Ruben Vardanyan, Karimli said he recognized Vardanyan through social media.

Subsequently, the forensic medical examination reports regarding the victims were presented.

The next court session is scheduled for October 21.

Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).

The Azerbaijan-Belarus business forum is being held with the joint organization of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and the Minsk branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the event, Belarusian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Dmitry Pinevich underlined the strong partnership between the two nations, noting that the ‘close relations established between Belarus and Azerbaijan create a solid foundation for expanding economic cooperation.’ He emphasized the great potential for collaboration in various sectors and expressed confidence in further strengthening trade and investment ties.

The forum brings together representatives from around 40 companies operating in logistics, construction, the food industry, and other fields, alongside officials and business leaders from both countries. The discussions are focused on exploring new avenues for partnership and promoting mutual investments.

From October 30 to November 2, Baku will become the center of the world dance culture, Azernews reports.

The Azerbaijan Dance Festival 2025 will take place in the Azerbaijani capital. The festival is organized by the Azerbaijan Dance Confederation (AzDC, President – Vice-Rector of the Baku Academy of Choreography, People’s Artist Tarana Muradova) and the International Dance Company SRDS (Smooth and Rhythm Dance Style, President – Olga Krasnyanskaya).

The evenings of the dance celebration will be held at JW Marriott Absheron Baku.

The Night of Dancing Diamonds – October 31

This evening will be a truly special event, dedicated to the anniversary of the People’s Artist of Azerbaijan and President of the Azerbaijan Dance Union – Tarana Muradova.

The program will feature a unique ballroom choreography created and performed by Tarana Muradova, integrating elements of Azerbaijani national dance.

The audience will also enjoy two spectacular show performances by world legends of ballroom dance, as well as the European Professional Championship in Smooth Dance.

It will be an unforgettable night where art, elegance, and inspiration come together in a grand celebration of dance.

November 1 – World Championships in All Age Categories

This evening will host the World Championships in the Smooth division for all age categories – from children to adults – alongside open international competitions in both the Standard and Latin programs.

The night will offer a vibrant fusion of competitive spirit, adrenaline, and pursuit of excellence, intertwined with the aesthetic grace and sophistication of ballroom dance.

Guests will enjoy an elegant dinner, live music, and even the opportunity to join the dance floor between competitions.

November 2 – International Pro-Am Competitions

The final day of the festival will be dedicated to the unique format of Pro-Am (Professional-Amateur), where professional dancers perform together with their students and amateur partners.

This is more than a competition – it is a philosophy of unity and inspiration, bringing together people for whom dance is a form of self-expression and a source of inner harmony.

In the world of Pro-Am, age and level of experience do not matter – anyone can begin their dance journey consciously, discovering the beauty of movement and the joy of artistic freedom.

November 2 will become a true celebration of dance for everyone who believes it is never too late to dance.

Live Music and Atmosphere of Inspiration

All three festival evenings will be accompanied by live music performed by a symphony orchestra under the direction of maestro Boris Myagkov.

Famous melodies by Azerbaijani composers, reimagined in ballroom arrangements – waltz, cha-cha-cha, tango, and foxtrot – will create an atmosphere of refined elegance and emotional inspiration.

A Celebration of Taste and Beauty

Guests will be treated to exclusive dinners, gourmet cuisine, and premium beverages, surrounded by a world where sport meets high art.

The Night of Dancing Diamonds is more than a dance event – it is a moment when the stage transforms into a dazzling celebration of beauty, strength, and inspiration.

To purchase tickets, please visit iTicket.Az.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.

On October 15, the 3rd National Urban Planning Forum officially opened in the city of Khankendi under the theme ‘Towards Climate-Resilient and Healthy Cities: Regional Partnerships and Innovative Solutions,’ Azernews reports.

The event is organized in partnership between Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). It has gathered around 400 participants from over 60 countries, including representatives of public and private institutions, international organizations, academic institutions, and civil society.

The three-day forum serves as a unified platform for local and international experts to discuss current challenges and opportunities in the field of urban planning.

Key topics on the agenda include:Sustainable recovery following conflict and natural disasters; Affordable housing and dignified living conditions;Resilient and healthy urban environments; Best practices in ecological and energy efficiency; Digital transformation and innovative approaches in urban planning; Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda;Strengthening regional and international partnerships.

Within the forum, special attention will be given to the large-scale reconstruction and development efforts in the Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur economic regions, showcasing Azerbaijan’s post-conflict achievements, adoption of modern urban planning standards, and the application of innovative technologies.

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn from leading international case studies, while panel discussions featuring prominent scholars in urban planning will promote knowledge exchange and encourage evidence-based, sustainable decision-making.

A magnificent opera gala concert has taken place at the Bilkent Odeon Theater, featuring the renowned Bilkent Symphony Orchestra, widely regarded as one of the top musical ensembles in Turkiye, Azernews reports.

The performance was led by Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev, an Associate Professor at the Baku Music Academy and the principal conductor of the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theater.

His dynamic energy and exceptional taste set a high artistic standard for the evening, while the orchestra, under his expert direction, showcased flawless harmony and coordination, as noted by the event’s organizers.

The concert program of the evening brought together masterpieces from the most celebrated composers across various periods, including Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, Puccini, Offenbach, Glinka, Saint-Saëns, Gounod, Bizet, and Rimsky-Korsakov.

The air was filled with captivating melodies that seemed to take on life through the musicians’ hands, creating an atmosphere rich in harmony and creative spirit.

A standout moment of the concert was the historic debut of the “Waltz” by the legendary Azerbaijani composer and conductor Maestro Niyazi, performed by the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra. The piece, blending Eastern nuances with European orchestral tradition, stirred deep emotions and received a warm, enthusiastic applause from the audience. This performance symbolized the cultural dialogue and deep connection between the Azerbaijani and Turkish peoples.

The stage was graced by internationally acclaimed opera diva Albina Shagimuratova, whose impeccable vocal performance and artistry mesmerized the audience. Alongside her, young rising stars of the global opera scene, including winners of the M.I. Glinka International Vocal Competition, delivered powerful and heartfelt renditions of arias and duets that left the audience moved and captivated.

A particularly touching moment was the performance of Asgar’s song from the operetta “The Cloth Peddler” by the legendary Uzeyir Hajibayli, celebrating the 140th anniversary of the composer’s birth. The powerful and emotional rendition by Uzbek tenor Otabek Nazir received an outpouring of appreciation, with the Turkish audience offering heartfelt applause for a piece that has become an integral part of the cultural legacy of the entire Turkic world.

As the final notes of the evening echoed through the hall, the audience stood in ovation. Extended applause and cries of “Bravo!” filled the space, and in response to the heartfelt appreciation, the soloists treated the audience to an encore, a scene from the first act of Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata”, which beautifully and emotionally concluded the night.

The musical celebration in Ankara was much more than just a concert, it was a jubilant tribute to the power of art, uniting people and cultures through the universal language of music, understood by all, without the need for translation.

Singapore has developed an innovative technology that uses drones to clean building windows, Azernews reports.

“Traditional methods involve workers suspended on cradles and ‘spiders,’ which unfortunately pose significant safety risks to personnel,” Xueling wrote on social media. “Today, we are testing drones to clean the facades of multi-story buildings. This process involves several steps, including the use of water pressure and specialized cleaning solvents.”

According to the politician, after the drone cleaning trials are completed, feedback from residents of the high-rise buildings will be carefully collected. Officials will then analyze the results and calculate the cost-effectiveness of implementing this new technology before making any decisions about its widespread use.

What makes this technology particularly promising is its potential to reduce labor risks and improve efficiency, especially in cities with numerous skyscrapers where traditional window cleaning is time-consuming and hazardous. If successful, Singapore’s drone cleaning system could set a global standard for safer, smarter maintenance of urban architecture.

The III National Urban Planning Forum highlights the extensive reconstruction and development efforts in the region, the implementation of modern urban planning principles, and the promotion of sustainable growth, Azernews reports.

Elchin Yusubov, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the cities of Khankendi, Aghdere, and Khojaly, emphasized this during his speech at the forum held in Khankendi.

‘This forum demonstrates, once again, the importance of international cooperation and experience sharing. It is not just a forum; it is a symbol of reconstruction, restoration, and development in our liberated territories. Khankendi is already emerging as a model for Azerbaijan’s future, with projects based on human-centered development and ecological balance,’ Yusubov said.

As part of the large-scale reconstruction and redevelopment in the liberated territories, efforts are underway to resettle populations in 19 settlements, including the Kerkicahan neighborhood of Khankendi, seven villages in Aghdere, and 11 villages in Khojaly. More than 22,000 people have already returned to their ancestral lands.

Yusubov noted that over 65 million Azerbaijani manats have been invested in the region, and more than 3,000 jobs have been created through the operation of new facilities.

The Special Representative stressed that the forum in Khankendi provides an important platform for discussions on international collaboration, green energy, and sustainable development principles, offering a new impetus for the future growth of Garabagh.

The forum, which has become a recurring event since its establishment through a joint initiative with UN-Habitat, Azerbaijan’s UN specialized agency partner, brings together government officials, the private sector, NGOs, academics, architects, and specialists. It serves as a key platform for discussing pressing urban planning issues and proposing practical solutions. The first two forums were traditionally held in Aghdam and Zangilan; this year, the event is taking place in both Baku and Khankendi.

Health tourism occupies a special place among the various branches of the tourism industry and holds strategic importance both economically and socially, said Azada Huseynova during her speech at the 2nd Azerbaijan Health Tourism Conference held in Baku, Azernews reports.

Huseynova emphasized that this sector not only brings additional foreign currency into the country but also contributes to improving people’s quality of life, promoting a culture of well-being, and enhancing Azerbaijan’s international reputation.

‘Our country possesses significant potential in this area, thanks to its rich natural resources and modern infrastructure,’ she said. ‘Naftalan oil, the Duzdagh salt mine in Nakhchivan, and the natural balneological resources of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur have long been recognized both regionally and internationally. Additionally, wellness centers operating in regions like Absheron, Shabran, Gabala, Lankaran, and Sheki are popular destinations among both local and international tourists.’

Huseynova also noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the ‘Strategy for the Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026’ identifies medical tourism as a priority development area.

‘As part of this strategy, consistent efforts are being made to build modern healthcare infrastructure, strengthen human resource capacity, and enhance the quality of services,’ she added.

On October 15, an international conference titled ‘Challenges in Energy, Food, Environment, and Climate Security’ opened in Baku, organized by the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan and the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, Azernews reports.

The event has brought together more than 140 researchers and speakers from 14 countries, serving as a key platform for global scientific collaboration.

The conference builds on the momentum of the COP29 climate summit, which Azerbaijan successfully hosted in 2024. Major topics at the summit included green energy, food security, and issues related to biosecurity and environmental safety-all of which played a central role in the decisions adopted.

It was repeatedly emphasized that addressing these global challenges requires comprehensive research using advanced methods and cutting-edge technologies.

Scientists stressed the importance of joint action to solve problems related to green energy, food, ecological, and climate security. Developing and strengthening strategic partnerships between researchers is seen as vital. In this context, the organization of this international conference-which highlights the latest scientific achievements in biology, agriculture, and medicine-is of great significance.

The main goals of the conference include the development of strategic plans for scientific cooperation, setting future research priorities, sharing innovative solutions for transitioning to clean energy and a healthy environment, and fostering new scientific approaches that contribute to societal and economic resilience.

Global demand for chocolate has collapsed despite lower cocoa prices, Azernews reports.

Production rates at factories worldwide are declining, signaling that the aftermath of last year’s sharp price surge continues to impact processors’ profits. As a result, the cost of sweet treats is unlikely to drop significantly in the near future. In the third quarter of 2025, cocoa processing in Europe fell to its lowest level in at least a decade, with similar declines observed in Asia and North America.

Although New York cocoa futures have halved since their peak in December, chocolate manufacturers are still working with costly raw materials purchased earlier at higher prices. According to Jonathan Parkman, head of agricultural sales at Marex Group, processors have locked in elevated prices for the next six months.

‘The demand for cocoa butter is low, and unlike last year, concerns about its supply have eased. We are witnessing increased substitution of cocoa butter with alternative ingredients due to the rising cocoa prices,’ Parkman explained.

This trend reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior and production strategies. As inflation pressures persist and consumers become more price-sensitive, some manufacturers are reformulating recipes to reduce costs or exploring new sweet treat alternatives. Additionally, growing health consciousness and changing dietary preferences are contributing to lower chocolate consumption in some markets.

Experts warn that unless the industry adapts through innovation or supply chain efficiencies, the chocolate sector could face prolonged challenges. On the flip side, this period might spur breakthroughs in sustainable cocoa farming and alternative ingredients that could redefine the future of the chocolate industry.