Category: Azer News

The Afghanistan-Pakistan border has erupted into violent clashes over the past several days, marking a dangerous escalation in regional tensions. According to reports from both sides, casualties have already mounted. Pakistani officials claim that nearly 200 Afghan fighters were killed in retaliatory strikes, while the Taliban-led Afghan government asserts that 58 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives in the conflict.

This flare-up comes at a time when global attention is already strained by ongoing crises, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the recent ceasefire between Israel and Palestine. The emergence of a new conflict in South Asia has sparked alarm across the international community, particularly given Pakistan’s status as a nuclear-armed state.

The border, which spans over 2,600 kilometers, has been closed following the exchange of fire, halting trade and civilian movement. Analysts warn that this could trigger a humanitarian crisis in the region, especially for communities dependent on cross-border access.

With tensions running high and diplomatic channels strained, international organizations and neighboring countries are urging both sides to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolution. The prospect of a broader conflict looms large, threatening to destabilize an already volatile region.

Speaking to Azernews, political analyst Imran Khalid, who is in Pakistan now – emphasized that the clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan erupted over the weekend, stemming from long-simmering tensions along the Durand Line, the disputed border that has divided Pashtun communities for over a century. What started as isolated skirmishes escalated into heavy fighting when Afghan forces reportedly attacked Pakistani border posts in the Torkham and Spin Boldak areas.

‘Pakistan responded with artillery, airstrikes, and ground operations, capturing at least 19 Afghan positions according to local reports. The trigger appears to be Pakistan’s frustration with Kabul’s alleged support for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has launched deadly attacks inside Pakistan from Afghan soil. Islamabad has long accused the Taliban regime of providing safe havens to TTP fighters, allowing them to orchestrate cross-border terrorism that has killed Pakistani soldiers and civilians. This isn’t new; the TTP’s resurgence since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover has turned the border into a powder keg,’ Imran Khalid said.

The political analyst detailed that the Afghan government’s overconfidence played a big role in this flare-up. Their foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, spent eight days in India starting October 9, marking the first high-level Taliban visit to New Delhi since Kabul fell.

‘During that trip, Muttaqi met with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and issued a joint statement that irked Pakistan, including references to Kashmir that Islamabad saw as meddling. Bolstered by Indian diplomatic overtures and potential economic ties, the Taliban seemed emboldened, perhaps miscalculating that such backing would deter Pakistani retaliation. India has been engaging Kabul quietly, maintaining a technical mission there, but this visit felt like a green light for Afghan assertiveness. The timing is no coincidence – the clashes intensified right as Muttaqi wrapped up his tour, suggesting Kabul thought it could push boundaries without consequence,’ he said.

Imran Khalid added that Pakistan’s response has been swift and decisive, practically bulldozing Afghan checkpoints in retaliatory strikes. He noted that Pakistani forces used jets and tanks to overrun Taliban positions, claiming over 200 Afghan fighters killed while suffering 23 losses themselves. Afghanistan countered by saying it killed 58 Pakistani troops, but the asymmetry is clear: Kabul’s forces, despite their bravado, are no match for Pakistan’s conventional military edge in airpower, artillery, and logistics. The border crossings are now sealed, halting trade and stranding thousands, which hurts Afghanistan’s fragile economy far more than Pakistan’s.

‘As for whether these clashes will end soon or spiral into full-scale war, I doubt we’ll see a prolonged conflict, but a quick resolution seems unlikely without major concessions from Kabul. Muttaqi, fresh from India, is now calling for negotiations and a ceasefire in public briefings, urging de-escalation to avoid broader fallout. Even U.S. President Trump, en route to a Middle East summit, has offered to mediate, boasting about his track record in solving wars. But from Islamabad’s perspective, talks are pointless until Afghanistan stops harboring TTP elements and expels them. Pakistan has conducted airstrikes targeting TTP leaders like Noor Wali Mehsud in Afghan provinces such as Paktika and Khost, underscoring that counter-terrorism is non-negotiable. Iran has voiced concerns too, stepping in to urge restraint amid fears of regional instability.

If Kabul continues to play host to militants while courting external support, these skirmishes could drag on, eroding trust further. Yet a full war benefits no one-Pakistan holds the upper hand militarily, and Afghanistan can’t afford another front. The ball is in Kabul’s court: expel the TTP, and we might see borders reopen. Until then, expect more tension, not peace,’ Imran Khalid concluded.

On October 17th and 18th, the world premiere of the ballet “Two Carpets” will take place at “Astana Ballet,” promising to be a true masterpiece on an international scale and to offer the audience an unforgettable immersion into a world of beauty, mysticism, and history.

Ahead of this momentous event, the artistic director, director, and choreographer of the production, Alexander Mogilev, shared with Trend Life about his work on this international project.

Q: In ballet, directing is the art of creating a harmonious performance by creatively organizing all elements of the production based on the choreographer’s vision, guiding the work of all participants in the performance. In this project, you embody the unity of the creative process. Alexander, tell us about the creation of the ballet “Two Carpets.”

A: The idea of creating the ballet belongs to Mosaic Del Arte, whose main goal is to revive interest in ballet and prove that art knows no boundaries. But we understand that classical ballet today might not be entirely understood by modern audiences. Therefore, our task is to speak the modern language while still respecting traditions. The idea and spirit of Mosaic Del Arte are embodied in this international project, which involves participants from Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Brazil.

The general producer of Mosaic Del Arte and the author of the ballet’s libretto *”Two Carpets”* Valery Kopeikin was inspired by the history of the Shirvan carpet – a black and red work from the Louvre collection. As we know, Azerbaijani carpets are masterpieces that reflect the inner world of the craftsman.

The story we present is one of love – very touching and profound. The plot centers around a girl named Leyla who weaves a carpet, beginning with red threads – a symbol of love. After hearing of the death of her beloved Samir in the war, she switches to black threads. Later, it is revealed that he did not die but was wounded, captured, and lost his memory in Europe. There, he meets Margot, a woman from Vienna, and they develop feelings for each other and live together. But fate brings that very carpet, woven by Leyla, into their home. Gazing at the patterns on the carpet, Samir’s memory is restored, and he decides to return to Baku. Margot, despite her love, lets him go, realizing that she cannot oppose the light and true feelings Samir now has in his heart. Upon returning to Baku, Samir sees Leyla weaving a second carpet with black threads, but the joy of their reunion transforms her work into red tones. Hence the title – “Two Carpets.”

Q: The large-scale ballet “Two Carpets,” involving more than 140 people, is indeed impressive! You have been involved in many projects as a dancer, choreographer, and director. What personal ideas have you brought to this project?

A: Indeed, this project is significant for us, and a large team of professionals is involved. Out of these 140 people, 50 are orchestra musicians, 33 are ballet performers, and there is also the technical staff, artists, projectors, decorators, etc. There are even children playing young Samir and Leyla, and “four hooligans” who appear on the streets of Baku and Vienna. An invited violist will also appear on stage, playing the role of “the fate of destiny,” appearing at key moments and performing a touching solo.

The specially composed music for the ballet by composer Arseniy Smirnov also includes a script that I wrote. The production features many special effects and projections, along with grandiose and colorful decorations created by artist Anastasia Kapustina, including the design of the carpet with unique patterns. The carpet itself was specially woven for the premiere by the craftswomen of the Azerkhalcha OJSC in a unique piece. The costumes were designed by the famous designer Igor Chapurin.

I would like to note that delving into history and legends is a special pleasure for any director. It’s a very deep and thoughtful job! I turned to Azerbaijani culture, studying the symbolism and meaning of gestures, positions, and folk dances. This was all incredibly interesting. But my task was not to reproduce purely folk dances, but to integrate their elements into classical and modern ballet, creating a neoclassical language of movement.

Additionally, I’m interested in working with visual effects, which can be integrated into classical ballet, where there is a storyline, a narrative, and a legend, and to try to tell this story in a modern language.

For example, in the ballet, there is a scene when the First World War begins, featuring absolutely modern choreography. But then, there is a ballroom scene where Samir invites Leyla to dance. This is a completely classical scene of art – pointe shoes, ballet movements.

The harmony of classical and modern dance, special effects, visual solutions, decorations, and costumes gives the ballet a unique charm and aura. Moreover, I personally took lessons on handling a Simonov rifle to realistically portray how cadets at the Suvorov Military School practice with guns. For this, I consulted with an officer from the Kremlin Regiment. Everything has been done with maximum authenticity. I delve so deeply into the plot and the dance itself that I can confidently take responsibility for every movement, every gesture, and the placement of the performers on stage.

Q: How important is ballet for you as a means of expression?

A: Ballet is one of the deepest forms of art; it is a language of feelings that does not need to be understood – it needs to be felt. It allows each viewer to interpret what is happening in their own way. It is an art that speaks without words but is stronger than words. When you watch a ballet performance, you’re not told what emotions to feel – you are free to choose and interpret the images, discovering new meanings for yourself. This is much more interesting, especially for intellectual and cultured people who enjoy solving metaphors on their own.

Q: What do you expect from the world premiere of “Two Carpets?”

A: “Two Carpets” is my second collaboration with Valery Kopeikin. The first was the rock-ballet “Blind Forgiveness,” presented in Greece.

The ballet premiere in Astana deserves an international stage, as a tremendous amount of work has gone into it. We hope that the performance will tour Europe, Asia, and, of course, be presented in Azerbaijan.

Art enriches a person, and I believe that the audience will not remain the same after the performance, but will change for the better. I hope that they see not just a show, but experience it. I hope they feel the connection between art, passion, and the individual. I hope the ballet “Two Carpets” will touch the hearts of the audience just as it touched ours during its creation.

The opera “Leyli and Majnun”, composed by the founder of Azerbaijani professional music and prominent composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, was presented at the Heydar Aliyev Palace by the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, in celebration of his 140th anniversary, Azernews reports.

This performance was not only a tribute to the composer ‘s anniversary but also a celebration of the rich traditions of Azerbaijani musical culture.

“Leyli and Majnun”, regarded as Hajibayli’s masterpiece, was first staged in 1908 and is considered the first opera in the East.

In the performance, the lead roles of Leyli and Majnun were portrayed by Ravana Amiraslanli and Mirali Sarizade, respectively.

The roles of Leyli’s father and mother were performed by Taleh Yahyayev and Aytan Maharramova, while Mutallim Damirov and Afag Aghayeva played Majnun’s parents. Other roles were played by Fuad Azizzade (Ibn Salam), Jahangir Gurbanov (Nofel), Nazar Baylarov (Zeid), and Parviz Verdiyev (Sheikh).

In the ballet sections, the role of Leyli was danced by Maryam Shabakayeva, Majnun by Rust?m Hajiyev, and the child roles of Leyli and Majnun were performed by Lal?zar Ibrahimli and Adil Alizade, respectively.

The conductor of the performance was Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev, the stage director was Nijat Kazimov, the set designer was Honored Cultural Worker Tehran Babayev, the costume designer was Leyla Aliyeva, the choirmaster was Honored Art Worker Sevil Hajiyeva, and the choreographer was Honored Artist Yuriy Lobachev.

Honored Artist Elkhan Mansurov accompanied the performance on the solo cello, and Honored Artist Elnur Ahmadov played the kamancha.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the 67th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Judges, Azernews reports.

“Dear event participants,

I sincerely welcome you to the 67th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Judges, being held in Baku, and wish every success to this prestigious event dedicated to advancing the administration of justice and strengthening judicial independence.

Bringing together national judges’ associations from nearly 100 countries, the International Association of Judges has, since its establishment, become an important institution that has undertaken major initiatives to safeguard judicial independence, strengthen the rule of law, and enhance the quality and efficiency of the administration of justice. Today, the International Association of Judges also serves as a space for international dialogue and cooperation aimed at enhancing the judiciary, one of the fundamental pillars of the rule of law.

Azerbaijan’s achievement of the right to host the 67th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Judges is a testament to our country’s growing international standing and reflects the global legal community’s confidence and trust in its judicial and legal system.

Hosting this prominent event in Azerbaijan this year carries special symbolic significance for our country and its entire legal community. In Azerbaijan, 2025 has been declared the ‘Year of Constitution and Sovereignty.’ Thirty years ago, in 1995, under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, our Constitution was developed and adopted, establishing the principles on which an independent, three-tiered judiciary was built. Since then, the separation of powers, the protection of human rights, and the supremacy of the law have become fundamental pillars of our state governance. Azerbaijan has successfully liberated its occupied territories, thereby ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty enshrined as an ultimate principle in the Supreme Law.

The establishment of a rule-of-law state in the Republic of Azerbaijan remains a strategic priority of our national policy. Comprehensive measures are being implemented in Azerbaijan to further strengthen the role of the administration of justice as the primary guarantor of human rights protection. As a result of the consistent reforms undertaken in our country, the judicial efficiency has improved, citizens’ access to justice has expanded, and the independence of judges has been further solidified. In the meantime, the application of information technologies and digital solutions has ensured transparency and pace of judicial processes, and significant steps have been taken to improve citizens’ access to the courts. These measures have strengthened public confidence in the administration of justice and reinforced the judiciary’s role as one of the fundamental pillars of a rule-of-law state.

The challenges of the modern era – global socio-economic transformations, rapid digitalization, and the adoption of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence – require judicial systems to continuously adapt and embrace innovative approaches. In this regard, the annual meetings of the International Association of Judges provide a valuable platform for exchanging best practices and engaging in effective dialogue, helping to identify future development directions for judicial and legal systems and to respond to the challenges they face in the context of present-day realities.

I am confident that the exchange of ideas, the recommendations adopted, and the outcomes of the 67th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Judges will make significant contributions to strengthening judicial independence, improving the quality of the administration of justice, ensuring more effective enforcement of the rule of law and protection of human rights, and advancing international solidarity.

I warmly welcome you once again to Baku and wish every success to the 67th Annual Meeting,” the address reads.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has expressed its condolences to Qatar following the tragic death of Qatari diplomats in a car accident in Egypt, Azernews reports.

The message of condolence was shared on the official Facebook page of the Azerbaijani MFA.

‘We express our condolences to the government and people of the State of Qatar on the tragic death of Qatari diplomats in a car accident in Egypt,’ the statement read.

It should be noted that three Qatari diplomats lost their lives in the accident.

Arzu Ursha’s film ‘Following the Dream’ has won in the ‘Documentary – Individual Sport’ category at the FICTS International Sports Film Festival held in Milan, Italy, Azernews reports.

According to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the documentary – produced with the ministry’s support and premiered in Baku on August 8 – portrays the inspiring journey of mountaineer Elmira Aslanova on her path to conquering Mount Everest.

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the glorious Victory in the Patriotic War, SOCAR organized a special event titled ‘Football Day’ for the children of its employees who were martyrs and veterans that fought for the territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The event was held in partnership with the ‘Neftçi’ and Turkish ‘Galatasaray’ football clubs, Azernews reports.

The children of martyrs and veterans first visited the ‘Palms Sports’ Football Center, where they were provided with detailed information about the ‘Neftçi’ club and shown a video on its history.

During the visit, the children met with the head coach of the ‘Neftçi’ club’s A team, Samir Abbasov, as well as the players, and took commemorative photos. They also enjoyed interactive games with the footballers in the recreation room.

The young visitors later watched a friendly match between the A and B teams of ‘Neftçi’ and received special commemorative gifts on behalf of the club.

In the second half of the day, the event continued at the SOCAR Head Office. Greeting the children of martyrs and veterans, Asad Mammadov, Head of SOCAR’s Social Responsibility Department, emphasized that care and support for the children of martyrs and veterans remain one of the key directions of Azerbaijan’s state policy. He also highlighted SOCAR’s ongoing efforts in this field.

The event concluded with the screening of a special video prepared by the ‘Galatasaray’ Football Club featuring messages from its players to the children of martyrs and veterans. The participants were presented with official ‘Galatasaray’ jerseys as a gesture of solidarity and remembrance.

The date for Nicolas Sarkozy’s imprisonment will be set tomorrow after the right-wing former French president was sentenced to five years in prison for criminal conspiracy in a scheme to finance his winning 2007 campaign with funds from Libya, Azernews reports.

Mr Sarkozy maintains his innocence, has denounced the verdict as ‘a scandal’ and filed an appeal.

He is the first former president of modern France sentenced to actual time behind bars.

Mr Sarkozy, who was involved in several other legal cases, was France’s president from 2007 to 2012. He has been retired from active politics for years but remains influential, especially in right-wing circles.

In a surprise decision, the Paris court said the prison sentence, which would otherwise have been suspended on appeal, is effective immediately.

Mr Sarkozy must be incarcerated without delay, the court explained, because ‘of the seriousness of the disruption to public order caused by the offence.’

Still, Mr Sarkozy was given 18 days from the ruling to ‘organise his professional life’ before his summoning by the National Financial Prosecutor’s office to set a date for incarceration.

The court said Mr Sarkozy, as a presidential candidate and interior minister, used his position ‘to prepare corruption at the highest level’ from 2005 to 2007, to finance his presidential campaign with funds from Libya – then led by Muammar Gadaffi.

Adding to the deep sense of political crisis in France, the country’s current President Emmanuel Macron renamed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister late on Friday just days after he stepped down and sparked a week of chaos.

A statement from the French Communist Party (PCF) described the reappointment of Mr Lecornu as an illustration of President Macron’s ‘refusal to change course.’

The PCF called for a broad mobilisation of unions, youth and other forces and that the time has come ‘to give the power over money, production and the Republic back to the people.’

Renewable energy sources are projected to overtake coal as the world’s largest source of electricity in the first half of 2025, Azernews reports IFLScience.

Experts describe this shift as a pivotal milestone in the global transition away from fossil fuels.

According to data from a recent report by Ember, solar and wind energy continue to expand rapidly, with solar power leading the growth. Solar energy alone accounts for 83% of the current increase, as its production rose by 31% in the first six months of last year.

Analysts note that this development highlights the accelerating pace of global decarbonization efforts and the growing role of renewables in ensuring sustainable energy security.

Polls have opened in Cameroon in an election that could see the world’s oldest serving head of state extend his rule for another seven years, Azernews reports via Al Jazeera.

The single-round election on Sunday is likely to return 92-year-old incumbent Paul Biya as president for an eighth term in the Central African nation of 30 million people.

Biya, in power for 43 years, faces off against 11 challengers, including former government spokesman Issa Tchiroma Bakary, 79, who has generated unexpected momentum for a campaign calling for an end to the leader’s decades-long tenure.

Bakary – a close ally of Biya for 20 years, who resigned from the government in June to join the opposition – is considered the top contender to unseat the incumbent after another leading opponent, Maurice Kamto, was barred from the race.

But analysts predict Biya’s re-election, given his firm grip on state machinery and a divided opposition.