Category: Azer News

The Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) has released information on demining operations carried out by organisations involved in mine clearance activities in the territories liberated from occupation between July 20 and 26, AzerNEWS reports.

According to ANAMA, demining operations were conducted in Tartar, Aghdara, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Khojaly, Khankendi, Khojavand, Lachin, Shusha, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, and Zangilan districts.

During the operations, teams discovered and neutralised 173 anti-personnel mines, 39 anti-tank mines, and 753 other unexploded military ordnance items.

A total of 1,740.7 hectares of territory were cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance during the reporting period.

Mine clearance remains one of Azerbaijan’s key priorities in the post-conflict period, with extensive demining operations continuing to improve safety, facilitate reconstruction efforts, and enable the return of former internally displaced persons to the liberated territories.

United States President Donald Trump told Israel’s Channel 12 on Monday that Washington will “return to powerful military action” against Iran if diplomatic contacts with that country fail, AzerNEWS reports.

The American leader clarified that he had paused the strikes to give diplomacy “another chance,” while claiming the US and Iran are engaged in indirect negotiations through mediators. The efforts are currently focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and finding a roadmap to reaching a comprehensive nuclear deal. On the other hand, Trump warned there “was not much time for the talks,” adding that they will “move forward quickly, or not happen at all.”

“Everyone involved in the negotiations with Iran has asked me ‘don’t shoot,'” the US president stated, reiterating that Tehran wants to reach a deal. Iran, on the other hand, did not confirm contacts with the US, though it also paused its own attacks on American bases in the Middle East.

The legal framework for venture capital funds is formed in Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

This is reflected in the law on amendments to the Labor Code, Civil Code, the law “On currency regulation”, “On banks”, “On investment funds”, and “On the securities market”, approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. The document text has been published on the official website of the President of Azerbaijan.

According to the amendment, the concepts of venture capital fund, professional investor, accredited investor, free-reporting venture capital fund, and licensed venture capital fund have been added to the law “On investment funds”. This creates different legal models for venture funds to operate in an easy registration regime or in a licensed regime.

Furthermore, provisions on convertible instruments, convertible notes, and future participation agreements (SAFEs) have been added to the Civil Code.

The law also includes norms on the institution of corporate contracts and special rights of investors. The legal basis for mechanisms such as tag-along rights, drag-along rights, first refusal rights, priority in liquidation, provisions against the impairment of shares or stocks, protected issues, conversion rights, and different voting rights is determined.

Moreover, the law comprises provisions on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Under this mechanism, startups and technology companies will not only provide employees and board members with a salary, but will also be able to provide them with the opportunity to acquire shares or stocks in the company in the future. This is an important tool for attracting and retaining highly qualified specialists, in particular. In other words, the employee has a direct interest in the company’s success, since the value of the shares or stocks he or she can acquire may increase as the company grows.

At the same time, the draft adds provisions to the laws “On currency regulation” and “On banks” that regulate the specifics of currency and banking transactions for digital travelers, innovation projects, venture capital funds, accredited investors, and digital services. These changes serve to reduce the existing administrative difficulties for innovation and digital economy entities in the field of foreign payments, investments, repatriation of income, and access to banking services.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the kingdom’s “unwavering determination to safeguard its security and sovereignty, deter aggressors, and exercise its right to respond to the sources of the attacks” on Monday following drone strikes it blamed on Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq, AzerNEWS reports.

The ministry also stressed, “the need for the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to prevent its territories from being used as grounds from which acts of aggression are launched.”

Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said air defenses intercepted and destroyed drones targeting petroleum facilities in the Eastern Region and Riyadh. Last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declared that Iraq will never allow the use of its territory to threaten Iran.

A scene in the Turkish historical television series Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani (Sultan of Conquerors) has sparked a dispute after Chinese authorities reportedly sought to pressure the production over its depiction of envoys from the Yarkand Khanate describing oppression under China, AzerNEWS reports.

According to reports, a formal complaint was submitted through a Chinese law firm in the name of Mahmut Yakup, a Uyghur individual said to be based in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, which many Uyghurs and activists refer to as East Turkistan. The complaint was reportedly sent to TRT Director General, the production company, the series’ director, and its screenwriters.

The complaint argued that the scene contained historical inaccuracies and discriminatory language toward Uyghurs and Chinese people. It called for a public apology, the removal or revision of the scene, and assurances that similar content would not appear in future episodes.

Among the historical objections raised were claims that the term “East Turkistan” was not used during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II, that the Yarkand Khanate was established after his rule and later came under Chinese authority, and that the renowned poet Alisher Navoi never lived in the region.

The production team rejected the demands.

Producer Eyp Gökhan Özekin said in a post on X that he had no regrets over the episode and would include similar content again if necessary.

“We have no regrets. If necessary, we would produce similar content again,” Özekin wrote, adding that he only regretted not doing more to raise awareness of the Uyghur cause. He described East Turkistan as “the orphan of the Ummah” and said that bringing even a small measure of comfort to Uyghurs would be meaningful.

Özekin also criticized what he described as the broadcaster’s insufficiently strong response to the controversy.

The reported complaint has also prompted debate on social media, with critics questioning how a Uyghur living inside Xinjiang could have viewed the series, given China’s extensive restrictions on foreign media. Turkish television productions are generally unavailable in the region, while international streaming platforms and many foreign applications remain inaccessible under China’s internet controls.

Human rights organizations have also documented restrictions on Uyghur cultural and religious expression in Xinjiang, including reports that activities such as studying certain foreign languages or consuming overseas media have, at times, been treated by authorities as indicators of extremism. Beijing has consistently rejected allegations of repression in Xinjiang, describing its policies as measures to combat terrorism, separatism, and religious extremism.

A state duty has been approved for crowdfunding platform management in Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

This is reflected in amendments to the law “On state duty” approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The document text has been published on the official website of the President of Azerbaijan.

Thus, a state duty of 2,750 manat ($1,618) will be charged for the inclusion of legal entities in the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) register to carry out crowdfunding platform management activities.

According to the amendment, crowdfunding platform operators will be included among the entities supervised by the CBA. Operators will also be required to submit reports on their activities to the CBA.

The original lightsaber used by Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back has been sold at auction for $3.75 million, setting a new world record for a screen-used prop from the film franchise, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

The lightsaber was wielded by Luke Skywalker during his legendary duel with Darth Vader in the 1980 blockbuster Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.

The prop significantly exceeded pre-sale expectations. Initially valued at around $1 million, experts had predicted it would sell for no more than $2 million.

The sale established a new auction record for a screen-used Star Wars artefact, surpassing the previous record held by the original X-wing Starfighter filming model from the 1977 Star Wars film. That model was sold for $3.135 million in October 2023.

The lightsaber was auctioned as part of Heritage Auctions’ Hollywood and Entertainment Signature Auction, one of the world’s leading sales of film and television memorabilia.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Monday that the 12.5% tariff imposed by the United States is a “typical act of unilateralism and protectionism, and China firmly opposes it”, AzerNEWS reports.

The Trump administration imposed tariffs on over 80 countries earlier this month due to their alleged failures to ban products made with forced labor.

The ministry insisted that China has “consistently” opposed forced labor and has put in place a “comprehensive” system of labor laws and regulations.

It also noted that the US has not ratified the Forced Labor Convention, accusing it of “long manipulating” the issue. It urged Washington to remove the unilateral tariffs and noted that Beijing is willing to continue trade dialogue.

The opening ceremony of the 5th National Highland Festival has taken place at the Khan Yurdu Ethno-Village, located in Yeni Zod village, Goygol district, AzerNEWS reports.

The ceremony began with a minute of silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

Addressing the audience, Vugar Novruzov, Head of the Goygol District Executive Power, highlighted the district’s rich historical heritage. He emphasized that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has consistently implemented policies aimed at preserving the nation’s cultural identity, protecting its rich heritage, promoting regional socio-economic development, and expanding the country’s tourism potential.

Novruzov also noted the significant contributions of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva in promoting Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage on the international stage and preserving its centuries-old traditions. He described the National Highland Festival as an important initiative that reflects these state policies by showcasing Azerbaijan’s cultural wealth, promoting tourism, and strengthening friendship, unity, brotherhood, and solidarity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov stated that the festival has now become a well-established national tradition.

“Today, this festival has grown into a major national celebration. As we gather for the fifth edition of the National Highland Festival, we can truly experience the spirit of our national culture. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers and participants. One of the festival’s primary goals is to preserve our national and moral values and pass our traditions on to younger generations. President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly emphasized the importance of this issue during meetings with young people, encouraging relevant institutions to support such initiatives. Festivals like this clearly demonstrate that our youth continue to cherish and preserve Azerbaijan’s rich cultural traditions,” Gayibov said.

The festival’s Project Director, Muzadil Hasanov, noted that the event continues to expand each year, attracting not only local visitors but also a growing number of international tourists. He expressed his appreciation to everyone who contributed to organizing the festival and highlighted the modern infrastructure established at the “Khan Yurdu” Ethno-Village.

Following the official speeches, the opening ceremony continued with a vibrant concert program.

The National Highland Festival, which officially began the previous day, is being held for the fifth consecutive year.

The event is jointly organized by the Goygol District Executive Power, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the World Ethnosport Confederation, the Javad Khan History and Culture Foundation, KAP.AZ LLC, and several other partner organizations.

Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy exhibitions of traditional Azerbaijani carpet weaving, artisan workshops, archery, horseback riding, zorkhaneh demonstrations, ethnosport activities, children’s entertainment areas, live concerts, ashig folk music performances, and traditional folklore shows.

Additional attractions include performances by Yorga horses, tightrope walkers, and fire performers, as well as the “Highland Table”, where guests can experience a wide variety of authentic Azerbaijani cuisine.

Bringing together key elements of Azerbaijan’s rural heritage, the festival presents traditional craftsmanship, folk music and dance, national games, equestrian traditions, and regional cuisine.

It offers visitors an opportunity to experience the customs and daily life associated with seasonal migration to highland pastures, an enduring tradition that remains an important part of Azerbaijan’s cultural identity and rural heritage.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned the United Kingdom on Monday about the fate of its Gripen fighter jets if they are used against Russia in Ukraine, AzerNEWS reports.

“[Former UK Prime Minister Keir] Starmer announced in Ukraine Britain’s intention to seek pound 300 million for the joint production and delivery of 16 new Gripen E fighter jets, a third of which are British-made, to the Ukrainian Armed Forces by 2029. Moreover, he probably knows what fate awaits them if they are used against the Russian Federation,” Zakharova said.

The Russian spokesperson also accused Western Europe of “trying with all its might to once again transform itself into that very neo-Nazi, militaristic monster.”