Category: Azer News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons, although he did not provide details about when or where the alleged plot was organized or which son was targeted.

Netanyahu made the claim on Monday during a telephone interview with Channel 14, a conservative Israeli television outlet known for its supportive coverage of his government.

‘This is an incredible event. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill him, it tried to kill one of my sons,’ Netanyahu said.

The claim comes as Netanyahu’s coalition faces declining support in opinion polls ahead of Israel’s general election scheduled for October, following the recent US-Israeli war with Iran.

The war began with a joint US-Israeli strike on Tehran that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and four members of his family, including his daughter Bosra and 14-month-old granddaughter Zahra.

The right-wing US publication Newsmax, citing an unnamed US law-enforcement source, reported that Netanyahu’s 35-year-old son Yair Netanyahu was the alleged target of an Iranian assassination plot while he was in Florida.

Netanyahu has two sons and a daughter. According to The Jerusalem Post, both of his sons and his wife were placed under enhanced personal protection by Israeli authorities in July.

No independent evidence of the alleged assassination plot has been publicly presented.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Ankara would not abandon its regional partners following Israeli strikes on a Syrian military base, stressing that no outside power could dictate the limits of Trkiye’s foreign policy.

Israel carried out several strikes last week on the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in northern Syria, around 70 kilometres from the Turkish border. Israeli officials claimed the strikes were aimed at preventing Trkiye from deploying air defence systems at the base.

Israeli officials have repeatedly described any Turkish military deployment to Syrian airbases as a ‘red line,’ arguing that it could restrict Israel’s freedom of operation in Syrian airspace.

Both Ankara and Damascus denied that Trkiye planned to deploy air defence systems at Abu al-Duhur. Turkish and Syrian officials said Turkish personnel at the base were involved only in repairing the runway and control tower. US Ambassador to Trkiye Tom Barrack also supported that account.

Speaking in Ahlat in eastern Trkiye’s Bitlis province after a cabinet meeting, Erdogan did not directly name Israel or Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, his remarks were widely seen as a response to the Israeli strikes.

‘Let me state this clearly and unequivocally: we will not allow politically moribund, presumptuous incompetents to use us as fodder for their rhetoric,’ Erdogan said.

Referring specifically to Syria, Erdogan stressed that Trkiye would stand by countries and partners that had placed their trust in Ankara.

‘We will never abandon a friend or brother who has placed their trust in us,’ he said.

Erdogan also emphasized that Trkiye’s foreign policy would not be determined by external powers, saying that no country could set the boundaries of Ankara’s regional engagement.

The Turkish Presidency had previously said that the Israeli strikes were connected to Israel’s domestic political calculations ahead of October elections, in which Netanyahu is expected to face a difficult contest.

Armenia’s Investigative Committee is facing criticism after charges were brought against a police officer who allegedly suffered torture at the hands of investigators from the same body while in detention.

Police officer Sargis Bagratunyan was arrested along with two relatives following a fight outside the Yerevan City Investigative Department. According to the Investigative Committee, Bagratunyan and a group of around 20 people attacked two investigators while under the influence of alcohol.

However, Bagratunyan’s lawyer has alleged that his client was subjected to severe physical violence inside the Investigative Committee building, reportedly under the supervision of the head of the department.

The lawyer said Bagratunyan sustained extensive bruising and that his police uniform was torn during the alleged incident.

The allegations have prompted criticism in Armenian media and among human rights advocates, who have raised concerns over a potential conflict of interest in the investigation. In particular, they argue that the Investigative Committee’s role as a prosecuting and investigative body could undermine the credibility and independence of proceedings when members of the same institution are accused of torture.

Armenian authorities will not prevent Russians from entering the country, Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Alen Simonyan told the Russian television channel Dozhd.

In an interview with journalist Ekaterina Kotrikadze, Simonyan was asked whether Armenia would be prepared to receive Russians seeking to avoid being sent to the front.

“Nobody at the border is going to ask anyone why they have come here,” Simonyan said. He noted that Russian citizens can enter Armenia without an international passport. “A Russian person, I can say only one thing: ‘Welcome to Armenia.’ Here we love and respect everyone,” he added.

He said Russians arriving in Armenia would find what they were looking for and would be free to return to Russia whenever they wished.

“Armenia will in no way obstruct [their arrival], and if necessary, we will help,” Simonyan said.

His comments come as demand among Russians for housing in Armenia is reportedly rising sharply. The Russian outlet Verstka, citing local real estate agents, reported that demand for rental properties has increased rapidly and is approaching the levels seen in 2022.

It should be noted that Armenia became one of the main destinations for Russians leaving the country after the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.

Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva, First Lady of Uzbekistan, congratulated Azerbaijan’s First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva on the occasion of her birthday.

According to AzerNEWS, the letter reads:

“To Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear and respected Mehriban khanum,

Please allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your birthday and convey my most sincere and warmest wishes.

I deeply cherish the close friendship and sincere relationship I share with you, a person whose heart is filled with the finest qualities, exceptional grace, and boundless kindness.

Your multifaceted activities in public and state life have earned deep respect and recognition not only in Azerbaijan but also throughout the world. Your inspiring image, embodying refined feminine grace and unwavering determination, is a source of pride for the Azerbaijani people and a shining example of a dignified and inspiring woman of our time.

Our recent meeting during the historic state visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan, as well as the blessed and joyful hours we spent together in the ancient city of Bukhara, have left the warmest and brightest impressions in my heart.

I am sincerely delighted that the relationship we have developed over many years, based on genuine sisterly closeness, continues through our children and now our grandchildren as well.

I am confident that our ties, rooted in shared values and a rich cultural heritage, will continue to enrich the bonds of friendship between our countries and brotherly peoples.

On this special day, I wish you good health, family happiness, well-being, and prosperity. May your noble aspirations always bring great achievements and success for the benefit of the brotherly Azerbaijani people.

Respectfully,

Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva

First Lady of Uzbekistan”

A new island has emerged in the northern part of the Caspian Sea off Kazakhstan’s coast, apparently as a result of the continued decline in the sea’s water level.

According to Yerbolat Mukhashov, founder of Caspian Holiday, new islands have begun appearing over the past four to five years in the northern Caspian, particularly around a group of islands known as habitats for Caspian seals.

One of the most recently formed land areas has been named Rybachy Island. It is located approximately 500 metres east of Svyatoy Island and about 30 kilometres from the village of Bautino in the Mangystau region.

The area includes several islands, including Kulaly, Morskoy, Svyatoy, Podgorny, Usharal, Mayakshykan and Dolgiy. The emergence of new land is being viewed as another visible indication of the significant changes taking place in the Caspian Sea as its water level continues to fall.

Mukhashov noted that wolves are among the main inhabitants of the islands. Wild boars and badgers can also be found in the area, while the surrounding waters and coastal zones support a variety of fish and bird species, Lada.kz reported.

Scientists have warned that if the current trend of declining water levels continues, the newly formed island could gradually increase in size. Over time, it could potentially become an important habitat for wildlife, including nesting grounds for rare bird species and a resting or breeding site for Caspian seals.

bp as operator of the Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli (ACG) field development project advises that the planned maintenance programme (turnaround – TAR) on the Central Azeri platform, which started on 19 August and was planned for 11 days, has now been fully completed ahead of schedule.

All of the programme scope has been delivered safely. Production is currently being ramped up to its pre-programme level.

The programme scope included various projects including critical integrity and maintenance works, flare system upgrades, reliability improvement initiatives, and anomaly elimination activities.

The maintenance programme also involved activities supporting the delivery of the Central Azeri Gas Expansion (CAGE) project, designed to increase gas reinjection capacity on the platform to help maximize recovery from the existing wells.

These planned events are a necessary part of the long-term reliability, integrity and production performance and are regularly performed in all bp-operated facilities in the region.

Azerbaijan’s Suvar Lezgi Folk Song and Dance Ensemble has showcased the country’s rich folklore, music and dance traditions at the 22nd International Caucasus Dance and Music Festival in Turkiye.

The performance received a warm response from audiences.The gala concert and closing ceremony of the festival were held in Yalova under the motto “For Peace in the Caucasus and Around the World.” The Azerbaijani ensemble was among the participating groups.

The gala concert opened with Suvar’s performance of the “Land of Fire” dance. Ensemble member Javahir Abdulova then performed the song “Azerbaijan,” adding a special atmosphere to the event.

On August 20, the Azerbaijani delegation also presented a concert programme in Balikesir Province as part of the festival. The programme included the dances “Shadvilin Suvar” (Festive Joy), “Meeting,” “Meadow,” “Naz Elama,” “Heritage” and “Lezginka Melody.” Javahir Abdulova performed “Kanidi” (My Beloved), “Sari G?lin” and “Azerbaijan,” while Elvina Heydarova performed “Perizada,” “Black Sea” and “Iyerval” (Beauty).

Before the concert in Balikesir, the Azerbaijani delegation visited Ortaca village, home to a compact Lezgi community.

During the visit, the delegation received information about the history of Ortaca, the background of Lezgi families living there, as well as their traditions and cultural heritage. The meeting also featured an exchange of views on preserving the native language, national customs and folklore and passing them on to future generations.

The performances in Yalova and Balikesir highlighted Azerbaijan’s rich folklore and musical heritage, presenting its distinctive dance and vocal traditions to a wide audience. The Suvar ensemble’s performances were met with considerable interest from spectators.

Azerbaijan’s participation also contributed to promoting the shared cultural values of the peoples of the Caucasus, strengthening friendship and solidarity among communities, and advancing intercultural dialogue.

On behalf of the Azerbaijani delegation, gifts were presented to the festival’s organizing committee, Yalova Governor Ahmet Hamdi Usta and Ramazan Kora, head of the Bursa Dagestanis Association.

The 22nd International Caucasus Dance and Music Festival served as an important cultural platform for showcasing the rich heritage of the peoples of the Caucasus and fostering mutual understanding and friendship.

More than 350 artists from Azerbaijan, Adygea, Dagestan, Georgia, Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia participated in the festival, which was organized to support the preservation of the Caucasus’ rich cultural heritage, strengthen friendship among peoples and contribute to the development of intercultural dialogue.

Singapore has unveiled a new package of measures aimed at encouraging families to have more children, offering parents more than $55,000 in financial support for each child. The city-state is facing a serious demographic challenge, with a declining birth rate and a rapidly aging population.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a review of the country’s child benefits and parental leave system during his annual address on August 23. The government wants to make it easier for Singaporeans who wish to have children to start families and raise them, he said.

Singapore has a population of more than 6 million people. In 2025, the country recorded a record-low fertility rate of 0.87 children per woman, down from 0.97 in 2024. For comparison, South Korea recorded an even lower rate of around 0.8, one of the lowest in the world.

Demographers generally consider a fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman necessary to maintain a stable population without net immigration. Singapore’s falling birth rate, combined with longer life expectancy and advances in healthcare, is pushing the country toward becoming a ‘super-aged’ society. According to the UN definition, this means that more than 21% of the population is aged 65 or older. By 2030, experts expect roughly one in four Singaporeans to be over 65.

‘We want every family to know: if you decide to have children, the government will be with you,’ Wong said, promising more substantial support over a longer period of time.

According to the prime minister, families will receive nearly 70,000 Singapore dollars (about $55,000) in direct financial support for each child up to the age of 17. The package includes a 10,000 Singapore dollar payment at birth as well as additional support for education.

Childcare subsidies will also be expanded, particularly for larger families. The government plans to cover a greater share of childcare costs and provide additional support to working parents. Families with children will also have easier access to schemes designed to help them purchase their first home.

However, the government admits that financial incentives alone may not be enough to reverse the demographic trend. Wong said Singapore’s fertility rate will likely remain well below the replacement level even with the new measures. If the country relied entirely on births, its population would eventually decline.

For this reason, Singapore will continue its long-standing policy of carefully managed immigration. Wong said the country would welcome new arrivals ‘at a measured and steady pace’ while ensuring that Singaporeans remain the majority of the population.

Singapore has been trying to boost its birth rate for decades, using everything from financial bonuses and tax benefits to childcare subsidies and parental leave. Yet the fertility rate continues to fall, showing just how difficult it is for governments to reverse demographic trends once they become deeply rooted in society.

The situation is not unique to Singapore. Many wealthy Asian economies, including Japan, South Korea and China, are also struggling with low birth rates, making population decline one of the biggest long-term economic challenges facing the region.

The second day of the Silk Road Finance and Technology Forum has begun in Tashkent, focusing on the practical application of digital currencies across the Greater Silk Road region, the development of cross-border fintech corridors and efforts to strengthen investment cooperation.

The forum is jointly organized by the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Singapore-based international network Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN).

The event has brought together more than 6,000 participants and around 200 speakers from 74 countries, including heads of regulatory authorities, representatives of relevant ministries, international financial institutions and investors whose combined assets under management exceed $4 billion.

During the key sessions on the second day, delegates and experts are discussing practical steps for transitioning from traditional banking to digital financial ecosystems, the development of Open Banking, and regulatory frameworks for stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

Other key topics include the launch of Regulatory Sandbox 2.0 by Uzbekistan’s financial regulator, the implementation of venture capital programs and legislative initiatives related to Islamic finance.

Forum participants are also placing particular emphasis on cybersecurity and personal data protection amid the growing use of artificial intelligence in the financial sector. Discussions will also focus on creating a favorable environment for attracting international technology startups.