Category: Azer News

An explosive device planted under a car detonated in Moscow on the morning of December 22.

Azernews reports, citing TASS, that the Russian Investigative Committee confirmed the incident. Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, Chief of the Operational Readiness Department of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, was killed in the explosion on Yasenevaya Street.

An investigation into the incident has been launched.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, 56-year-old Sarvarov was appointed to his current position in 2016. He participated in military operations in Chechnya between 1992 and 2003 and served in Syria in 2015-2016.

The reasons for President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev’s non-participation in the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council held on December 21 in St. Petersburg, Russia, as well as in the informal summit of CIS heads of state scheduled for today, have been disclosed, Azernews reports.

The Presidential Administration told AZERTAC that, as Azerbaijan is not a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, President Ilham Aliyev did not take part in the December 21 meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. The head of state was also unable to attend today’s informal summit of CIS heads of state in St. Petersburg due to a tight work schedule.

It was recalled that the Republic of Azerbaijan regularly participates in official CIS summits as a member state and attaches great importance to cooperation within the CIS framework, including the development of bilateral relations with member states.

President Ilham Aliyev participated in the meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council held on October 9-10 this year in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The meetings held within the framework of the session, both bilaterally and multilaterally, were productive.

Between December 15 and 21, a total of 145 anti-personnel mines, 46 anti-tank mines, and 525 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO) were discovered and neutralized in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, Azernews reports, citing ANAMA.

According to Trend, the information was released in the weekly report of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) on humanitarian demining operations conducted in the reclaimed areas.

The report states that 1,299 hectares of land were cleared of mines and explosive remnants of war during the reporting period.

Demining operations were carried out by ANAMA, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the State Border Service, and four private companies. The activities covered extensive areas across Tartar, Aghdara, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Khojaly, Khankendi, Shusha, Khojavend, Lachin, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan, as well as the villages of Baghanis Ayrim, Ashaghy Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gizilhajili in the Gazakh district.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on the phone with United States President Donald Trump, Downing Street said on Sunday, Azernews reports.

They discussed the war in Ukraine, with Starmer updating Trump on the work of the coalition of the willing “to support any peace deal and ensure a just and lasting end to the hostilities.”

Starmer and Trump also spoke about the crisis in the Gaza Strip and the appointment of Christian Turner as the new British ambassador to the US.

“The leaders wished each other a Merry Christmas and looked forward to speaking again soon,” the statement said.

President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order declaring 2026 the ‘Year of Urban Planning and Architecture’ in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The order aims to preserve Azerbaijan’s centuries-old traditions of urban planning and architectural culture, as well as to promote and expand the application of progressive approaches in the field that address new challenges facing the country.

According to the document, the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan is tasked with preparing and submitting proposals to the President regarding an action plan for the implementation of the ‘Year of Urban Planning and Architecture’ within one month.

Azerbaijan plans to implement a horizontal monitoring mechanism in tax control from 2026, a move aimed at creating a more favourable business environment for entrepreneurs, Azernews reports, citing the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy.

Simplifying tax administration remains a key priority of the country’s tax policy. As part of ongoing reforms, the new approach will replace the existing electronic audit system and is expected to foster transparent and trust-based cooperation between medium and large taxpayers and tax authorities.

The horizontal monitoring model will apply to medium and large businesses that use automated accounting systems and have established internal control mechanisms. Participating taxpayers will be required to disclose potential tax risks in advance and maintain internal accountability systems.

Under this system, on-site tax inspections will be conducted only in exceptional cases. If a taxpayer proactively reports risks, no financial penalties will be imposed. However, undisclosed risks may incur a financial sanction of 25 per cent.

Authorities said the new mechanism will reduce the administrative burden, minimise tax risks, and strengthen mutual trust with tax authorities. It is also expected to increase transparency, improve corporate governance, and enhance financial discipline among entrepreneurs.

Additionally, horizontal monitoring participants will have the option to calculate depreciation on fixed assets using either the declining balance or straight-line method.

Officials noted that these measures will enhance tax discipline, improve the efficiency of tax administration, stabilise budget revenues, and support the development of a modern, trust-based tax management system.

Children’s Paralympic Games has taken place at the Sumgayit Paralympic Sports Complex under the Social Services Agency of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population, Azernews reports.

The event was organized by the National Paralympic Committee, with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and in partnership with Azercell Telecom LLC.

The event was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population Anar Aliyev, Vice-President of the National Olympic Committee Chingiz Huseynzade, Vice-Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population and President of the National Paralympic Committee Hidayat Abdullayev, Vice-Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population and President of the Azerbaijan Deaflympic Committee Anar Bayramov, Rector of the Azerbaijan State Physical Education and Sports Academy, two-time Paralympic champion Ilham Zakiev, and representatives of the sports community.

Speakers highlighted that the national Paralympic movement in Azerbaijan, initiated and blessed by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the 1990s, has made significant progress over the years. They also noted the historic victories achieved by Azerbaijani athletes, including Paralympians, as a result of President Ilham Aliyev’s special attention and support for the development of sports in the country.

It was emphasized that the young Azerbaijani Paralympians are determined to continue these sporting achievements. The Children’s Paralympic Games were noted for their special importance in promoting the development of the national children’s Paralympic movement and increasing the interest of children with disabilities in sports.

Following the speeches, the creative team of the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center presented musical performances.

A total of 130 children Paralympians participated in the Games. They competed in eight sports, including para judo, para table tennis, para taekwondo, para swimming, para powerlifting, para badminton, para archery, and boccia across various categories. This edition of the Children’s Paralympic Games featured more sports than previous editions.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony for the winners. Certificates and gifts were also presented to other participating children Paralympians.

The main goal of the Children’s Paralympic Games is to engage children with disabilities in sports, develop their athletic skills, and nurture a new generation of Paralympians who will represent Azerbaijan with distinction on the international sports stage in the future.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the decision to open transit cargo routes to Armenia through Azerbaijan and to create conditions for the launch of bilateral trade, Azernews reports.

Pashinyan made the remarks during a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

He stressed the importance of constructive dialogue with member states and observers of the Council in strengthening regional economic integration. According to Pashinyan, priorities for Armenia include the smooth functioning of the internal market, removal of barriers, digitalization, and the simplification of regulatory procedures.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the development of trade and logistics cooperation based on the principles of equality, sovereignty, and national jurisdiction. He described the opening of transit and trade opportunities as one of the first major achievements in establishing peace and stability in the region.

Pashinyan noted that the ongoing constructive changes are creating new opportunities for all countries in the region, contributing to stronger economic stability and the expansion of regional ties.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has shared a post on “2026-the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,” Azernews reports.

“2026-the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,” the post reads.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the decision to open transit cargo routes to Armenia through Azerbaijan and to create conditions for the launch of bilateral trade, Azernews reports.

Pashinyan made the remarks during a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

He stressed the importance of constructive dialogue with member states and observers of the Council in strengthening regional economic integration. According to Pashinyan, priorities for Armenia include the smooth functioning of the internal market, removal of barriers, digitalization, and the simplification of regulatory procedures.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the development of trade and logistics cooperation based on the principles of equality, sovereignty, and national jurisdiction. He described the opening of transit and trade opportunities as one of the first major achievements in establishing peace and stability in the region.

Pashinyan noted that the ongoing constructive changes are creating new opportunities for all countries in the region, contributing to stronger economic stability and the expansion of regional ties.