Category: Azer News

The South American Chovken Championship has concluded in Argentina amid a magnificent sporting atmosphere, determining the next teams to qualify for the World Championship, Azernews reports.

The tournament, organized under its auspices, brought together the continent’s strongest national teams and was marked by a high tempo, dramatic encounters, and intense battles that lasted until the very final seconds. Each match was not only a contest for points, but a true test of character in the race for a World Championship berth.

On the opening day of the continent’s inaugural championship, the matches immediately signaled the level of competition on display. In a closely fought encounter, Uruguay defeated Argentina 3-2. In the other match, Chile confidently advanced to the final after overcoming Colombia 3-1.

Tension reached its peak on the final day of competition. In the playoff for third place, Argentina edged past Colombia with a 3-2 victory to claim the bronze medal. The headline clash of the day saw Uruguay face Chile in the final. The match turned into a genuine sporting drama and ended with a thrilling 3-2 win for Uruguay.

As a result, Uruguay emerged as the champion of South America and secured direct qualification for the World Championship. Chile, finishing in second place, also earned the right to represent the continent on the world stage.

This championship once again demonstrated that chovken has moved beyond regional boundaries, evolving into an internationally established sport with a high level of competition and a growing global fan base.

With the South American stage now complete, attention turns to the Chovken World Championship, set to be held in Azerbaijan this June.

India’s Coast Guard has detained three oil tankers on suspicion of illegal oil smuggling, foreign media reported.

Azernews reports that the information was shared by an official of the Indian Coast Guard on the service’s page on X.

‘On February 6, the Indian Coast Guard thwarted the activities of an international oil-smuggling network during a carefully planned maritime and aerial operation,’ the statement said.

The vessels were intercepted approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai.

Searches conducted aboard the tankers, analysis of data retrieved from electronic devices, and questioning of crew members helped expose the illegal scheme operated by the organizers’ global network, the statement added.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva visited Special Secondary School No. 45 in Ganja.

They closely reviewed the facilities created at the educational institution and inquired about the students’ learning processes and rehabilitation opportunities.

It was noted that 297 students are currently enrolled at Ganja Special School No. 45. Among these children with special needs, 188 receive their education on-site at the school, while 109 are enrolled in home-schooling programs.

The educational facility is equipped with all necessary infrastructure, including specialized rooms for information technology and handicrafts, speech therapy (logopedics) rooms, an ecological classroom, a medical office, a library, and a gymnasium.

At the conclusion of the visit, Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva presented gifts to the children and posed for commemorative photos with them.

Expired and unserviceable ammunition will be destroyed in the Pir?k?skl and Agd?r? areas, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry.

The ministry said the disposal process will take place from February 9 to 13 in full compliance with safety regulations.

The ammunition, which has exceeded its operational lifespan and is no longer suitable for use, will be destroyed at a training range near the Pir?k?skl settlement, as well as at a military training center located in the Agd?r? district.

‘The public is urged not to be alarmed by the sounds of explosions, as there is no cause for concern,’ the statement said.

Four people were killed on Saturday in a shooting in the countryside of Suwayda province in southern Syria, authorities said, confirming the arrest of a suspect and urging residents to remain calm to prevent further escalation.

In a statement published by Syria’s Interior Ministry on Telegram, Suwayda’s internal security commander Hussam al-Tahhan said the incident took place in the al-Matouneh area, where five local residents were targeted in what he described as a ‘heinous crime’.

‘The attack resulted in the killing of four individuals and the serious injury of a fifth,’ al-Tahhan said.

He added that preliminary investigations, conducted in coordination with one of the survivors, revealed that one of the suspects is a member of the Internal Security Directorate in the area. The individual was immediately arrested and referred for formal investigation to complete legal procedures.

Al-Tahhan stressed that ‘any violation against citizens is categorically unacceptable’ and warned that there would be no tolerance for acts threatening public safety, regardless of the perpetrator’s affiliation.

Calling on residents to exercise restraint, the official urged the people of Suwayda province to ‘remain calm and place their trust in the measures being taken’, assuring them that those responsible would be held accountable under the law.

Suwayda has remained under a fragile ceasefire since July, following deadly clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes that left hundreds dead or injured. While the government has reiterated its commitment to the truce and facilitated civilian evacuations and the delivery of humanitarian aid, the agreement has been repeatedly violated by armed groups linked to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, including attacks on military positions.

Authorities said investigations into Saturday’s shooting were continuing.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva visited the Ganja Memorial Complex.

This complex, inaugurated by President Ilham Aliyev on September 27, 2025, Remembrance Day, aims to eternally commemorate the memory of innocent people who became victims of Armenia’s rocket attacks during the Second Karabakh War and to convey the bitter realities of the war to future generations.

The first floor of the complex houses a museum exhibition, while the second floor features a hall for various events.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva also visited the family of National Hero Natig Gasimov in Ganja.

During the meeting, they honored the memory of the Azerbaijani hero with deep respect, and had a warm, sincere conversation with family members.

Natig Gasimov displayed unparalleled heroism in battles along the Aghdam-Khankendi direction during the First Karabakh War. He resisted the Armenian occupiers to the end, remaining under siege alone for five days during the war.

During the meeting, the honorable life and combat path of the martyr were once again remembered.

The opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games has officially taken place, marking the start of a global celebration of sport, culture, and unity, Azernews reports.

The event was held at Milan’s San Siro Stadium and reached its most symbolic moment with the lighting of the Olympic flame at Peace Mountain.

Italian skiing legends Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni served as the final torchbearers, igniting the flame on the summit in Milan. Another Italian skiing star, Sofia Goggia, lit the Olympic torch at Angelo Dibona Square in Cortina d’Ampezzo, symbolizing the unity between the host cities.

Earlier in the evening, Italian President Sergio Mattarella officially declared the Games open, signaling the formal start of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The ceremony also featured a memorable performance by international superstar Mariah Carey, who sang the Italian classic “Volare” followed by her hit song “Nothing Is Impossible.” High-profile guests, including President Sergio Mattarella, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, attended the ceremony and watched from VIP stands at San Siro, underscoring the global importance of the Games and Italy’s role as host.

The opening ceremony included the Parade of Nations, featuring 92 national teams entering the stadium in a display of Olympic unity. The Azerbaijani team proudly entered the arena under the national flag, carried by figure skater Vladimir Litvintsev and alpine skier Anastasia Papatoma, receiving warm applause from spectators.

The ceremony began with an artistic program that highlighted Italy’s rich cultural history, celebrating its traditions and artistic legacy.

The opening spectacle showcased the country’s heritage while emphasizing the universal spirit of the Olympics. Athlete parades will continue in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Predazzo, and Livigno, where competitions will take place in the coming days.

The 2026 Winter Olympics features 116 medal events across 16 sports, which is seven more than the 2022 Beijing Games. New events have been added, including mixed team skeleton, men’s and women’s moguls, and alpine skiing sprint and team events. However, mixed team alpine skiing will not be included this year.

Azerbaijan is represented at the 25th Winter Olympics by Vladimir Litvintsev in figure skating and Anastasia Papatoma in alpine skiing (slalom).

The 2nd Winter Tale International Music Festival, held in Gabala under the auspices of the Baku Music Academy and supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and “Gilan”, has come to a close, Azernews reports.

This year’s festival once again united music lovers in the region, continuing the tradition of the Gabala International Music Festival, which has been held annually since 2009.

Launched on February 5, the festival brought a vibrant array of programs to the Heydar Aliyev Congress Center in Gabala. The audience was treated to vocal and chamber instrumental evenings, solo performances, a concert by a young pianist with autism, and a chamber music evening titled “Baku-Naples: A Musical Bridge,” symbolizing the friendship between Azerbaijan and Italy. The event succeeded in turning the spotlight back on Gabala during the cold winter days, reinforcing the city’s status as a cultural hub.

On the evening of February 8, the Heydar Aliyev Congress Center hosted the grand closing ceremony and final concert of the 2nd Winter Tale International Music Festival. Leyla Aliyeva, representatives of the festival’s organizing bodies, renowned musicians, music enthusiasts and guests of the city attended the event.

The closing concert featured a flamenco-jazz music night titled “Azerbaijan-Spain: Two Countries, One Music,” during which Azerbaijani folk songs, flamenco-jazz, and mugham improvisations were performed. Invited artists and dancers from Spain took to the stage, bringing the evening to life with passionate rhythm and movement.

Before the concert began, a brief introduction was given about the participating Spanish and Azerbaijani musicians. It was noted that the world-renowned flamenco pianist and composer Andrés Barrios received classical music education and has a deep understanding of jazz. His eclectic and innovative style stands out as a bold and modern expression of 21st-century flamenco, skillfully blending various global music genres.

The Azerbaijani musician featured in the concert, tar player Ibrahim Babayev, is known for his distinctive experimental approach. He builds on mugham traditions while integrating elements of electronic and contemporary music. Pianist Nicat Aslanov, meanwhile, is recognized for a creative style that synthesizes mugham, ethno-jazz and modern jazz.

During the concert, Andrés Barrios performed pieces including “Ecdysis,” “Meraki,” “Noche Andaluza,” “Seville,” “La Colombiana,” as well as traditional Spanish folk songs.

Flamenco dance compositions presented by Spanish dancers Cristina Cazorla and Javier Moreno, as well as mugham and flamenco improvisations performed by tar player Ibrahim Babayev together with pianist Andrés Barrios, delighted the audience. The traditional folk song “Yayliq” also received warm applause.

The final concert also featured a solo performance and flamenco improvisations by the renowned Azerbaijani pianist and jazz composer Nicat Aslanov, accompanied by his jazz trio members Fuad Jafar (bass guitar) and Hasan Bilalov (percussion).

Thus, the 2nd Winter Tale International Music Festival in Gabala, organized by the Baku Music Academy with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and “Gilan,” concluded on a joyful note, leaving behind an unforgettable musical impression.

Morgan McSweeney has stepped down as the United Kingdom Prime Minister’s chief of staff following a growing political storm linked to former cabinet minister Peter Mandelson.

The resignation comes in the wake of revelations surrounding the Mandelson scandal, which has dominated headlines and sparked intense scrutiny of the government’s internal conduct. McSweeney, who has held one of the most senior positions in the Prime Minister’s office, announced his departure earlier today, citing the need to allow the administration to focus on governing amid heightened public and media attention.

While the full details of McSweeney’s involvement remain under investigation, political analysts say his exit reflects the mounting pressure on officials tied to controversies surrounding Mandelson. The scandal has renewed calls for transparency and accountability within the upper echelons of government, with opposition parties demanding a full inquiry.

The Prime Minister’s office has confirmed that arrangements are underway to appoint an interim chief of staff while a permanent replacement is identified. No further comment has been made by McSweeney.

The Mandelson affair, which has seen multiple resignations and widespread media coverage, continues to cast a shadow over the current administration, raising questions about political oversight and internal governance.

The elevation of Azerbaijan-US relations to the level of a strategic partnership, driven by the political will of the two countries’ leaders, has created broad opportunities for diversifying economic cooperation.

AzerNEWS reports that this was stated by Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister, Mikayil Jabbarov, in a post on his X account.

According to the Minister, during a roundtable discussion with a business mission led by Khush Choksi, Senior Vice President for International Member Relations, the Middle East, and Trkiye at the US Chamber of Commerce, the parties emphasized that Azerbaijan’s economic environment – shaped by macroeconomic stability and principles of sustainable development – offers a favorable foundation for new partnerships.

The discussions also focused on promoting joint activities between Azerbaijani and US business representatives and reviewing next steps and potential projects to expand cooperation in energy, transport, investment, trade, industry, innovation, digitalization, and other sectors.

The elevation of #Azerbaijan-#US relations to the level of strategic partnership, reflecting the political will of the Heads of State, creates broad opportunities to diversify #economic cooperation.

At the Roundtable with the Business Mission led by Khush Choksy, Senior Vice. pic.twitter.com/lvUUYaN9Yx