Category: Azer News

Hamas condemned on Wednesday the United States’ decision to start providing consular services in Efrat, an Israeli settlement in the West Bank, AzerNEWS reports.

In a statement shared with the Shahab News Agency, the organization insisted that the US’s move could be interpreted as a recognition of the legitimacy of the settlement, which Palestinians dispute. Hamas stressed that the decision represents a “clear violation” of international law and the Palestinians’ rights. Lastly, the group urged the international community to respond.

Previously, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the US’s move.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the US move.

‘We. appreciate the important decision by the US embassy to extend consular services to Efrat, in Judea and Samaria,’ he said, using the biblical name for the West Bank.

‘As America marks 250 years of independence, Israel stands proudly beside it,’ he added at an event marking the occasion.

The Palestinian Authority’s Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission condemned the move, saying in a statement that it ‘constitutes a clear violation of international law and a blatant favouring of the occupation authorities’, referencing Israel.

Minister Muayyad Shubban, head of the commission, called on the US to reverse the decision, and on the international community to refrain from legitimising the settlement system.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas also decried the US decision, describing it in a statement as ‘a dangerous step that supports (Israel’s) Judaisation plans’.

The US embassy in Jerusalem also announced that such pop-up consular services will be provided in the next couple of months in another Israeli settlement, Beitar Illit, as well as in the Palestinian city of Ramallah and three cities inside Israel.

In 2025, a total of 2,995 greenhouses with a combined area of 1.5 thousand hectares were operating in Azerbaijan, reflecting a continued contraction in the sector, AzerNEWS reports.

The number of greenhouses declined by 42 units compared to 2024, when 3,037 greenhouses covered 1.6 thousand hectares. The total greenhouse area decreased by 100 hectares year-on-year. The downward trend follows a sharper drop from 2023, when the country had 3,228 greenhouses in operation.

In 2025, greenhouse tomato production totaled 156.8 thousand tons, marking a significant decrease of 68.1 thousand tons compared to 224.9 thousand tons in 2024. In 2023, production stood even higher at 268.9 thousand tons, indicating a steady decline over the past two years.

Cucumber production also fell, decreasing by 4.1 thousand tons, from 11.6 thousand tons in 2024 to 7.5 thousand tons in 2025. Lemon output edged down from 55 tons to 52 tons, while onion production remained almost stable, slipping marginally from 22.3 tons to 22.2 tons.

Gains in select crops

Despite the overall decline, some products recorded growth in 2025:

Mushrooms increased from 1.6 thousand tons to 1.8 thousand tons.

Strawberries rose from 237.6 tons to 241.1 tons.

Eggplants climbed from 15.3 tons to 17.5 tons.

Peppers saw a notable surge from 14.1 tons to 27.4 tons.

Meanwhile, the 151.3 tons of potatoes and 35.5 tons of cabbage produced in 2024 were not reflected in the 2025 statistics.

Regional Contribution

The main share of greenhouse crop production in 2025 came from the regions of Khazar, Shamkir, Absheron, Salyan, Sabunchu, Binagadi, Kurdamir, Samukh, Khizi, Tovuz, and Hajigabul.

Despite lower production volumes, Azerbaijan’s exports of fresh tomatoes, including those grown in natural conditions, increased in 2025.

Exports reached 172.86 thousand tons, up 18.72% year-on-year. Export revenues totaled $192.47 million, reflecting a 9.72% increase compared to the previous year. However, the average export price declined by 7.56%, falling to $1,113.46 per ton.

The principal export destination remained Russia, which imported 166.11 thousand tons, marking a 17.13% increase compared to the previous year.

The presentation of a new automated software code-scanning service by Anthropic, powered by its chatbot Claude, triggered a sharp decline in the shares of major U.S. cybersecurity companies. Investors interpreted the new product as a potential competitive threat to traditional software security solutions, AzerNEWS reports.

Over two trading sessions, shares of CrowdStrike and Zscaler fell by about 10%, while Netskope and Tenable declined by more than 12%. Attempts to reassure investors by CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz, who wrote on LinkedIn that automated code scanning cannot replace comprehensive cyber defense platforms, failed to halt the sell-off.

Exchange-traded funds tracking the cybersecurity sector – iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF and Global X Cybersecurity ETF – dropped to multi-month lows, reflecting broader investor anxiety.

The negative momentum quickly spread across the wider software industry and into private capital markets. Shares of Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Oracle lost around 4%, while IBM plunged 13%, marking its worst performance in more than two decades. This marks the second major technology-sector sell-off in a month linked to AI-driven workflow automation announcements.

The situation was further exacerbated by comments from Jenny Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton, who warned that corporate software risks becoming a low-margin commodity amid the rapid advancement of neural network technologies. As a result, major private equity firms such as Blackstone, Apollo Global Management, and KKR – all active lenders to the tech sector – also came under pressure, with their shares falling more than 5% on concerns about slowing capital inflows due to what analysts describe as ‘AI-driven disruption.’

According to analysts at Bank of America, Anthropic’s new tools pose a direct competitive threat primarily to highly specialized platforms such as GitLab and JFrog, which focus on DevOps workflows and code management.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that Anthropic itself disclosed cyberattacks targeting its AI models. According to the company, several Chinese AI laboratories – including DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, and MiniMax – allegedly attempted so-called model ‘distillation’ in order to extract data for training their own AI systems.

Anthropic claims that approximately 24,000 fake accounts were used in the process, potentially circumventing U.S. export restrictions on advanced chips such as the Nvidia H200. The company argues that such practices undermine fair competition and pose national security risks, as resulting AI systems may lack safeguards preventing the development of biological weapons or the execution of cyberattacks.

Market analysts note that the episode highlights a broader structural shift: investors are increasingly pricing in a scenario in which AI does not merely complement traditional enterprise software but fundamentally reshapes – and in some cases replaces – its core functions. If this trend continues, the software industry could face a transformation comparable in scale to the cloud computing revolution of the early 2010s.

Azerbaijan is not currently in a water crisis, but its long-term stability is hanging by a thread. That was the candid message from Riad Akhundzadeh, a top official at the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ADSEA), during a high-level roundtable on water security held this Tuesday, AzerNEWS reports.

While the taps are still running, the math behind the country’s reservoirs reveals a tight deadline for infrastructure reform.

Addressing the “Water Security in Azerbaijan” forum, Akhundzadeh clarified that while the current supply meets immediate demand, the margin for error is shrinking.

“There is currently no water shortage in Azerbaijan, but the existing reserves are not considered sufficient for the long term,” Akhundzadeh warned.

The numbers he provided paint a stark picture:

Current Reserves: ~16-17 billion cubic meters.

Annual Consumption: ~11-12 billion cubic meters.

So, Azerbaijan essentially has just over one year of water in reserve at any given time.

“Wasted Water” crisis

A significant portion of the tension isn’t just about how much water is coming in, but how much is leaking out. Akhundzadeh emphasized that outdated distribution networks are hemorrhaging resources before they even reach the consumer.

“Serious losses occur during water distribution due to outdated infrastructure,” he noted. “Effective management of water resources and reduction of losses are among our top priorities.”

Azerbaijan is currently categorized among the 20 most water-stressed nations in the world, largely because roughly 70% of its water originates outside its borders in neighboring countries. To combat this vulnerability, the government has launched a multi-billion-manat strategy.

The 2026-2035 Mega-Program

President Ilham Aliyev recently unveiled a massive state program aimed at overhauling the water systems of the Absheron Peninsula and Baku. The goals are:

30 New Reservoirs: Expanding storage to buffer against seasonal fluctuations.

95% Coverage: Bringing 24-hour uninterrupted water supply to nearly the entire Baku population (up from 70%).

Cutting Losses: Reducing distribution waste-currently estimated at 40-50% in some areas-by nearly half through the replacement of century-old pipes.

For the first time, Azerbaijan is looking to the sea. A major desalination plant is being developed in Sumgayit through a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power.

Capacity: 300,000 cubic meters per day.

Impact: This will provide a “climate-independent” source of water for the capital, reducing reliance on the shrinking Kura and Aras rivers.

In the Rostov-on-Don region of Russia, law enforcement forces reportedly conducted nighttime raids on apartments where Azerbaijani families reside, sparking alarm among relatives and prompting questions from authorities in Azerbaijan, local media say, AzerNEWS reports.

Actress Ruhiyya Yusifova told local Azerbaijani outlet that a group of uniformed officers entered the home of her uncle, Mardan Askerov, during the early hours. ‘They beat my uncle’s son for no reason. they took his mother, his pregnant wife and two children, and my uncle away. They destroyed the house and broke everything,’ she said.

According to Yusifova, officers then entered the home of her uncle’s eldest son, where force was allegedly used against his wife and children. Most of those taken to the police station were later released, but her uncle reportedly remains in custody, with relatives’ phones confiscated at the scene.

An official inquiry has been sent to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking clarification on the matter, local media reported.

Previous incidents against Azerbaijanis in Russia

Wider concerns about the treatment of Azerbaijanis and ethnic minorities in Russia first occurred back in June. In June 2025, a raid by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) on homes belonging to Azerbaijani families in Yekaterinburg led to the deaths of two Azerbaijani brothers and the detention of several others.

That incident sparked diplomatic protests from Baku, with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanding an investigation and justice for the victims. Azerbaijan later summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires to express strong disapproval.

Azerbaijani lawmakers and officials described the Yekaterinburg operation as extremely brutal and inconsistent with legal norms, warning that such actions risk damaging bilateral relations.

The Trump Organization, owned by the family of former US President Donald Trump, has unveiled its first major project in Australia. The company announced plans to develop the Trump International Hotel on the Gold Coast in partnership with Altus Property Group, AzerNEWS reports.

The ambitious project will see the construction of a 91-storey skyscraper in Surfers Paradise, featuring a 285-room luxury hotel under the Trump brand. In addition, the development will include 272 high-end residential apartments, a three-storey podium with a private beach club, and over 3,400 square meters of commercial, retail, and restaurant space, designed to revitalize the central part of the city.

Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, called the project a significant milestone. ‘Trump International Hotel and The Tower is our first official project in Australia, reflecting our ongoing commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences in the most desirable locations,’ he said. ‘This project embodies the Trump brand’s dedication to quality, sophistication, and unmatched service, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to the vibrant Gold Coast community.’

Once completed, the skyscraper, with a planned height of approximately 335 meters, is expected to become the tallest building in Australia, surpassing existing records and reshaping the city skyline.

Urban development experts note that the project could boost tourism and international investment in the Gold Coast, while also generating thousands of construction and hospitality jobs. Some analysts suggest that the tower’s luxury positioning may attract high-net-worth international buyers, making it a potential landmark for both the Australian skyline and the global luxury real estate market.

A meeting was held in Almaty to discuss the expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

As reported by AzerNEWS, the information was published on the official Facebook page of the Almaty office of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On February 24, Deputy Head of the Almaty Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Rashid Yerishov, met with Vusal Aliyev, Head of the Almaty Representative Office of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Yerishov congratulated the Azerbaijani diplomat on assuming his new post and wished him success in his future work. During the meeting, the parties exchanged information about upcoming events and discussed prospects for cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening and expanding partnership in bilateral and multilateral formats.

Opel has announced a recall campaign concerning airbags manufactured by the Japanese company Takata, known for previous global safety issues, AzerNEWS reports.

Under certain conditions, particularly high heat and humidity, the gas inflator inside the airbag may become damaged. This defect can cause the airbag to deploy uncontrollably during an accident, posing a serious risk of injury or even death.

The recall affects eight Opel models produced between 2003 and 2018: Astra, Astra 10, Cascada, Meriva, Mokka, Vectra, Signum, and Zafira. Specific production date ranges for each model have been identified to determine which vehicles may be equipped with the faulty airbags.

Opel strongly urges all affected owners to check their vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if their car is included in the recall and to schedule a free repair appointment.

This recall is part of the ongoing global response to the Takata airbag crisis, one of the largest automotive safety recalls in history, affecting tens of millions of vehicles worldwide. In addition to Opel, major manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, and BMW have also issued recalls to replace these defective airbags.

By participating in the recall, drivers not only protect themselves and passengers but also contribute to improving road safety on a global scale.

International Mugham Center has gathered music lovers to celebrate one of the Azerbaijan’s most treasured artistic traditions, AzerNEWS reports.

The concert program “Mugham Destgahs”, held as part of the “Azerbaijani Mugham” project, left the audience spellbound.

The Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments, under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Mustafa Ashurov, as well as soloists from the International Mugham Center performed some of the most expressive and evocative destgahs, totally captivating the audience.

Highlights of the evening included “Zabul-Segah”, performed by Nisbet Sadraeva and Huseyn Melikov, and “Bayati-Kurd”, performed by Sabina Arabli and Mirlalam Miralamov.

The audience really enjoyed the concert. They applauded warmly and listened with full attention to every performance.

Mugham as a form of Azerbaijani folk music is deeply rooted in the spiritual culture of the East. It is one of the oldest genres and the basis of the Azerbaijani oral classical music tradition, along with song and dance folklore. Included in the UNESCO List of Masterpieces of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity, mugham is the embodiment of the soul of the Azerbaijani people, a reflection of their traditions and customs. In total, there are seven main types of modes: Rast, Shur, Segah, Shushter, Chargah, Bayat-Shiraz, Humayun and several secondary ones. Their performance requires high masterly training and special talent.

Mugham regulates the harmonious balance of a person, awakens affection and love for life, and finally, it is a monument of art that has played a significant role in the development of spiritual values ??of mankind for centuries. In this sense, mugham is a symbol of love and wisdom. The mysterious world of mughams has always attracted the attention of scientists around the world. Musicologists, literary scholars, historians, scientists and philosophers of the Middle Ages have conducted many scientific studies on this unique form of art.

The International Mugham Center was established on the initiative of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, in accordance with the presidential decree dated April 6, 2005.

The center, which laid its foundation that same year and is known as one of Baku’s unique architectural projects, opened its doors in 2008.

The design of the building was based on the elements and shapes of the tar, an Azerbaijani musical instrument used in performing mugham. The center was built with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

In 2024, the Mugham Center is the first cultural institution in Azerbaijan to be awarded “international” status by legislation.

The Center regularly organizes large-scale music festivals and concerts by highly acclaimed cultural figures.

It also takes important steps towards bolstering cultural ties with Turkiye, Poland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and other countries.

The International Mugham Center is determined to further expand its work and promote Azerbaijani musical culture.

Numerous projects are being carried out by the center in the direction of studying and promoting mugham art.

Azerbaijan Championship in Rowing (academic rowing), Kayak, and Canoe will take place on February 27-28,AzerNEWS reports.

The championship is jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Azerbaijan Canoe and Rowing Federation (AKAF).

The competition will be held at the Kur Olympic Training and Sports Center in Mingachevir and conducted under a handicap system.

Athletes will compete individually in single boats, covering a distance of 4,000 meters in academic rowing and 2,000 meters in kayak and canoe events. Winners will be determined based on their recorded times.

A total of 80 athletes born between 2008 and 2013 from Baku and Mingachevir will compete in the national championship. The top finishers will be awarded diplomas and medals.

Outstanding performers will earn the opportunity to join the national team for upcoming international competitions, including the “President’s Cup-2026,” dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.