Category: Azer News

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for personally overseeing the situation related to the AZAL plane crash, Azernews reports.

‘I would like to thank you for personally keeping this situation under controlYou are personally overseeing the course of the investigation, and we had no doubt that it would thoroughly and objectively determine all the circumstances. Therefore, I would like once again to express my gratitude that you deemed it important to address this issue during our meeting,’ the head of state said.

On December 25, 2024, an Embraer 190-100 IGW passenger aircraft, registered in the state register under number 4K-AZ65 and owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), crashed in the Republic of Kazakhstan near Aktau Airport while performing regular flight J2-8243 from Baku (Republic of Azerbaijan) to Grozny (Russian Federation). Two crew members (the captain and co-pilot), the senior flight attendant, and 35 passengers were lost in the crash.

The preliminary report published by the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan confirms the following facts:

1. The Embraer 190-100 IGW passenger aircraft, registered under the number 4K-AZ65 and owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), operating a regular flight J2-8243 from Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan to Grozny, Russian Federation, has been in a fully operational condition since the start of the flight on the route to Grozny. in good condition for flights. These data on the airworthiness of the aircraft, including the operation of its control systems, were confirmed using FDR data;

2. Both engines of the aircraft were operating without technical problems until the moment of the accident. This information is also confirmed by FDR data;

3. During the flight in the airspace of the Russian Federation, including over Grozny Airport, the aircraft lost GPS signals;

4. Due to adverse weather conditions over Grozny, the aircraft was unable to make a second approach for landing, after which the captain decided to return to Baku. After this decision was made over Grozny, two external sounds were recorded on the CVR at 24-second intervals;

5. A comparison of CVR and FDR data showed that 4 seconds after the first external sound, the third hydraulic system failed, 6 seconds later the first hydraulic system failed, and 21 seconds later the second hydraulic system failed;

6. Numerous blunt and penetrating damages to the fuselage were found and recorded in photographs and video recordings. This damage was found in the rear of the fuselage, the vast majority of which was on the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, as well as the left wing and left engine.

7. Information was provided that the damage found in the aircraft fuselage was caused by external objects. The preliminary report does not contain any information indicating that the aircraft collided with birds.

8. Foreign objects not belonging to the aircraft, found in the blind damage to the fuselage, were removed; their photographs are presented to the public in the preliminary report. To accurately determine the origin of the foreign objects found, additional examinations are planned in the future.

9. At 05:13:32, the aircraft’s main control systems failed; at 05:21:42, the liaison officer reported to Grozny that Operation Carpet was underway.

10. No information indicating an oxygen cylinder explosion has been provided.

Under the requirements of the ICAO Chicago Convention, a final report on the causes of the crash must be prepared within one year of the incident, following the preliminary report.

On October 9, the Heads of State of the CIS were invited to an informal dinner in Dushanbe, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is attending the event.

A meeting has been held between the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), Azernews reports.

The meeting focused on the implementation of the new tasks and assignments determined during the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Turkic Council, which was held in Gabala, Azerbaijan.

Culture Minister Adil Karimli emphasized the importance of cooperation with TURKSOY, noting that this partnership has been expanding and gaining new dimensions over the years. He highlighted the significance of joint projects aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic world.

TÜRKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev expressed satisfaction with the collaboration with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture and extended his deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the support in strengthening the ties.

During the meeting, Vugar Mammadov, the newly appointed representative of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry to TURKSOY, was introduced to the Secretary General. It was noted that he would begin his duties in the coming days.

The parties exchanged views on the organization’s activities for the current year and emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation in the implementation of joint projects.

Over the past years, TURKSOY has made significant contributions to promoting Turkic cultural heritage through different initiatives. Most of these projects have become a tradition and are continued every year.

Since its establishment, TURKSOY has been carrying out activities to strengthen the ties of brotherhood and solidarity among Turkic peoples, transmit the common Turkic culture to future generations and introduce it to the world.

The organisation actively collaborates with international bodies like UNESCO and maintains partnerships with institutions such as the Organisation of Turkic States and the International Turkish Academy.

Azerbaijan actively participates in TURKSOY’s initiatives, hosting events like the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World project in Shusha city.

Many events of cultural significance, including the Kharibulbul International Folklore Festival, the Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival, the Cultural Days of the Turkic People, the Vagif Poetry Days, the International Festival of Children’s Creativity, Wonderland Shusha 2023 International Scout Camp, and other events were organized in Azerbaijan’s cultural center in accordance with the Action Plan.

New evidence presented at the Baku Military Court has shed light on Armenia’s large-scale recruitment of foreign mercenaries during the 44-day war, Azernews reports.

The court heard excerpts from classified letters submitted by several Azerbaijani state agencies as part of the ongoing criminal case against Armenian citizens accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

A document dated October 24, 2020, revealed that Armenia made extensive efforts to recruit foreign citizens into its armed forces in the then-occupied territories of Azerbaijan to compensate for battlefield losses. The Armenian government and diaspora organizations abroad reportedly urged members of the Armenian community to take part in combat, organized special ticket sales campaigns, and established assembly points in various countries.

As a result, foreign terrorist fighters from France, the United States, Syria, Russia, and other countries were brought into military operations on Azerbaijani territory. The proceedings also noted the participation of the Yerevan-based military training center ‘VoMA,’ the ASALA terrorist organization, and other extremist groups.

One of the identified mercenaries, Artur Hovhannisyan from Marseille, France, reportedly took part in fighting in the Hadrut and Jabrayil regions of Azerbaijan as part of the Armenian armed forces during the war. Another document revealed that a criminal case has been launched against Gilbert Minasyan, a member of ASALA, and 15 individuals with military experience who engaged in illegal actions in Azerbaijani territory.

The court also cited evidence showing that mercenaries from Syria, Russia, Spain, Canada, France, Greece, Lebanon, and countries across the Middle East and Latin America, as well as members of various terrorist organizations, took part in operations against the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. Initially invited to train Armenian troops in sabotage and reconnaissance tactics, many of these fighters were later deployed directly to combat zones.

The trial continues for Armenian citizens accused of a wide range of grave offenses – including crimes against peace and humanity, terrorism, the financing of terrorism, genocide, and violations of the laws and customs of war – committed during Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.

The Swedish Film Days have been launched at CineMastercard cinema,Azernews reports, organized in partnership with the Azerbaijan Film-Makers Union and the Embassy of Sweden in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The Swedish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Tobias Lorentzon participated in the event.

In his speech, the Ambassador stressed the significance of the project in strengthening cultural ties between the two nations and raising awareness of Swedish cinema in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani director Oleg Safaraliyev emphasized that such initiatives not only introduce us to global cinematic works but also enrich our own creative processes. The Swedish Film Days provide an excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas and the deepening of connections between people.

The feature film “Swedish Torpedo” (2024), directed by Frida Kempff, was screened as part of the event.

The film follows the journey of a remarkable Swedish athlete as she struggles for recognition in the male-dominated world of professional sports, exploring themes of strength, perseverance, and self-identity.

On October 14 at 19:10, the film “Hammarshjöld” (2023), directed by Per Fly, will be shown at the same cinema.

The film chronicles the life of Swedish diplomat and economist Dag Hammarskjöld, who, during the Cold War in 1961, devoted himself to the ideals of freedom and humanism, ultimately sacrificing his life for these values.

The film will be screened in Swedish with Azerbaijani subtitles. Admission to the screenings is free.

Russia is providing full assistance in investigating the causes of the AZAL plane crash, said President of Russia Vladimir Putin during a meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe, Azernews reports.

‘We are, of course, as agreed, providing every possible assistance to the investigation. The investigation is nearing completion,’ the Russian President added.

Beneath the ancient walls of the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, in the heart of Baku’s historic Icherisheher, a musical performance emerged as a powerful connection between generations, Azernews reports.

To mark the International Day of Older Persons and the 140th anniversary of the legendary Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, a special event was held: beloved arias from the operetta “The Cloth Peddler” were performed by elderly citizens alongside children from an orphanage.

The event was organized by the Social Services Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, in partnership with the Administration of the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve. It became a powerful symbol of continuity, respect, and love across generations.

With a warm atmosphere, heartfelt emotions, applause, and, of course, the timeless music of Uzeyir Hajibayli, the evening left an indelible mark.

The music brought hearts together, and the ancient palace walls seemed to come alive once more, echoing the soul-stirring performance of “The Cloth Peddler”, now imbued with even deeper meaning.

The International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on October 1, a date designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990. The day aims to raise awareness about the issues and challenges faced by the elderly, promote their well-being, and recognize their contributions to society. It serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting older generations, ensuring their rights, and providing opportunities for their participation in social, economic, cultural, and political life. The theme of the day varies each year, focusing on specific aspects of aging, such as health, financial security, or social inclusion.

In Azerbaijan, the International Day of Older Persons holds particular significance as the country has a growing aging population. The government and various organizations mark the occasion with events, cultural programs, and community activities aimed at honoring the elderly.

These celebrations emphasize respect, dignity, and appreciation for the elderly, with a focus on their role in preserving traditions and passing on knowledge to younger generations.

Luis Moreno Ocampo, the Argentine lawyer and former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has long been surrounded by controversy. Known for his connections to offshore companies, tax evasion schemes, and questionable lobbying networks, Ocampo’s name has appeared in multiple scandals. Yet, despite his own ethical baggage, he continues to make bold and unfounded claims-especially when it comes to Azerbaijan.

His latest remarks criticizing the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UN WGAD) over its report on Ruben Vardanyan are a clear example of this pattern. In March 2025, the UN WGAD concluded that Vardanyan’s arrest in Baku was not arbitrary and rejected Yerevan’s claims that the criminal case against him was unlawful. Ocampo dismissed the report and called on the UN to invalidate it, accusing the Working Group of bias.

He went further by targeting Anna Yudkovska, the current chair of the Working Group. Without evidence, he claimed she was affiliated with a law firm that provides services to Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR and alleged that her husband had ties to corruption and Baku. These accusations were not only baseless-they were deeply ironic.

Why ironic? Because Ocampo himself has been linked to unethical behavior. Leaked documents from his time at the ICC revealed that he had close ties to parties involved in major legal cases and earned large sums through consulting deals that raised serious questions. He has been accused of working with offshore entities and lobbying groups while holding one of the most powerful legal positions in the world. Yet now, he accuses others of misconduct without proof.

Even more troubling is Ocampo’s long-standing silence on war crimes committed by Armenian forces in Garabagh. During his time at the ICC, he never spoke out about the ethnic cleansing, mass killings, and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Meskhetian Turks, and others. But once the region was liberated, he suddenly became vocal-defending figures like Vardanyan and questioning Azerbaijan’s legal process.

This double standard is hard to ignore. The so-called “republic of garabagh” was never recognized by any country-not even Armenia or Ocampo’s own Argentina, despite its strong Armenian lobby. The UN passed multiple resolutions demanding the withdrawal of occupying forces from Garabagh. If the regime was illegal, then its leaders must be held accountable for the crimes committed under its rule.

Ocampo’s attempt to discredit Azerbaijan’s judicial process is not just unfair-it’s dangerous. The trials currently taking place in Baku are similar to the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi leaders were held accountable for crimes against humanity. Just as the world supported justice then, it must support justice now. These trials send a clear message: no crime goes unpunished. Justice may be delayed, but it will come.

So the question remains: whose side is Ocampo really on? Is he defending justice, or protecting impunity? His selective outrage and silence on real atrocities speak volumes. If he truly believes in human rights, he should start by acknowledging the suffering of the victims-not shielding those responsible.

‘We invest in early-stage startups, with ‘FinTech’-financial technologies-being one of our main areas of focus. One of our portfolio companies is the Azerbaijan-based startup ePoint, which is also a partner of this event, making their presence here especially meaningful for us,’ said Gnc? Önr, Managing Partner at Startup Wise Guys, a European venture fund, speaking at the Baku Fintech Forum 2025, Azernews reports.

According to Önr, FinTech is not limited to a single sector but encompasses more than 20 subfields. ‘The concept of ‘money’ goes far beyond payments. Many areas that touch people’s daily lives fall under this umbrella.’

She added, ‘When looking at FinTech overall, it ranks among the top three sectors for venture capital investments not only in Turkey and Azerbaijan but globally.’

A strong FinTech ecosystem, she emphasized, reflects not only the success of companies in the sector but also the robustness of a country’s banking system. ‘This facilitates smoother international money transfers and attracts attention from global investors and multinational companies, leading to increased capital flow and economic growth.’

For Startup Wise Guys, FinTech is more than just an investment area-it’s a sector that influences entire ecosystems. Given its direct connection to money and finance, regulation is inevitable and often stringent, due to the inherent risks involved.

‘While regulations, permits, and licenses may pose challenges for startups looking to enter FinTech, overcoming these barriers ultimately provides a protective framework,’ Önr explained. ‘Trust and reliability are essential in this field.’

When evaluating FinTech startups, the fund prioritizes the quality of the team. ‘Strong, knowledgeable, and experienced teams are the most important criterion for us. Even if a startup hasn’t launched a product yet, we assess whether they are working with the right partners and actively building relationships within the ecosystem. We also check if they have done their homework-research, analysis, awareness of competition, and regulatory requirements. These factors are crucial.’

Önr concluded by emphasizing FinTech’s strategic importance for venture capital investors: ‘There is a saying in the industry: ‘Every startup will eventually become a FinTech startup.’ FinTech appeals not only to companies operating directly in financial technologies but also to startups in other fields.’

She noted that the world’s largest venture funds actively invest in FinTech despite its challenges. ‘These challenges exist to protect the sector. Rather than fighting the regulatory environment, entrepreneurs should focus on understanding the reasons behind the rules and learning how to navigate them. This is one of the most valuable skills for founders.’

President of Russia Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences over the crash of a passenger plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL) during a one-on-one meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe, Azernews reports.

It was noted that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and is expected to be completed soon.

Speaking about the incident, the Russian president stated that there had been airspace incursions into Russia on that day, and the Russian Air Force opened fire. Although the aircraft itself was not directly targeted, fragments struck it. In this regard, compensation will be provided, and those responsible will be held accountable.