Category: Azer News

Private payrolls in the United States rose by 38,000 in August, Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP) said in its report published on Wednesday. The figure missed analysts’ expectations.

Education and health services recorded the biggest increase in new hirings, with 45,000 new jobs added. However, a decrease in employment was observed across manufacturing, professional services, and information. The manufacturing sector lost 17,000 jobs, followed by a 16,000 decrease in professional and business services. Trade, transportation, and utilities, and natural resource and mining sectors both lost 5,000 positions.

Large enterprises with over 500 employees made 34,000 new hires, mid-sized businesses with between 250 and 499 workers lost 2,000 jobs, and those between 50 and 249 workers hired 2,000 people.

Peru has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Iran, the South American country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

“The Government of Peru has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry noted that the decision was linked, among other factors, to the situation in the Middle East and Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

It also added that the move does not entail the termination of consular relations between the two countries.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, holding significant strategic importance as approximately 20% of global oil supplies and around 25% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports pass through it. Essentially, it serves as an energy artery for countries in Asia, Europe, and even the United States.

The strait separates Iran from Oman, and in some areas, the width of the shipping channel is only two miles on each side. Given its critical role in global energy supply chains, ensuring the safety and security of this vital waterway is paramount for international trade and economic stability.

Azerbaijan has allocated approximately $590 million to humanitarian demining activities since November 2020, with only around 4 percent of the funding coming from international support, Chairman of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) Vugar Suleymanov said.

Speaking at the 4th International Mine Action Conference in Baku, Suleymanov said the figures demonstrate Azerbaijan’s strong national ownership in addressing the mine problem left by decades of conflict.

‘Since November 2020, approximately 590 million US Dollars has been allocated to humanitarian demining activities in the country. Only around 4% of this amount has come from international support, while the remaining part has been covered by the Government of Azerbaijan,’ he said.

According to Suleymanov, ANAMA and other institutions involved in humanitarian demining have cleared more than 298,000 hectares of land and neutralized more than 260,000 mines and other explosive remnants of war since the end of the 44-day Patriotic War.

He stressed, however, that the scale of contamination remains extremely large, making stronger international support necessary to accelerate clearance operations and reduce risks to civilians.

‘Stronger international support is essential to accelerate clearance, reduce risks for civilians, and enable the timely implementation of urban recovery and development projects in the liberated territories,’ Suleymanov said.

He emphasized that international cooperation should extend beyond direct support for mine-clearance operations, arguing that humanitarian mine action should be viewed as an investment in human security, safe return and sustainable development.

‘International cooperation in mine action should not be seen only as support to clearance operations. It should be understood as an investment in human security, safe return, sustainable development and long-term peace,’ he said.

Suleymanov made the remarks during the conference dedicated to the theme ‘Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements.’

He said Azerbaijan is ready to share its experience with international partners while also learning from other countries and organizations involved in mine action.

‘No country can address the mine problem alone. International cooperation, technical exchange, donor support, innovation and strong national ownership are all necessary if we want to move from contamination to recovery, and from risk to resilience,’ he added.

Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei (pictured) warned on Wednesday that the country’s adversaries should be aware of Iran’s “new strategy on the battlefield.”

“With these flailing efforts, not only will you not emerge from the hell you’ve created for yourselves, but you will soon see that Iran’s new strategy on the battlefield, in diplomacy, and in confronting the economic blockade will shatter your foundations,” Rezaei wrote on X following recent US strikes.

Furthermore, earlier in the day, media reports claimed that Iranian hackers attempted cyberattacks on water, telecommunications, energy, and other US infrastructure in recent weeks.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Ying Yong, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the People’s Republic of China, on September 2.

The delegation included Chen Yong, Chief Prosecutor of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Procuratorate, Zhao Tieshi, Chief Prosecutor of the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Procuratorate, and Shen Jian, Chief Prosecutor of the Gansu Provincial People’s Procuratorate.

Addressing the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said:

– Welcome. I know that your visit is coming to an end. You are paying a very important visit to Azerbaijan. I am confident that your visit was very successful. This visit will serve to further develop our relations in all areas. I hope you will leave our country with pleasant impressions. We consider your visit very significant within the framework of our strategic partnership.

As you know, since April, China and Azerbaijan have been acting within the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership. I recall with deep gratitude the hospitality extended to me during my state visit to your country last year. My discussions with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials demonstrate once again that both countries consider each other very close friends.

We are very glad to see the great interest among Chinese companies in operating in Azerbaijan. Since April, there has been continuous mutual travel between our countries. Chinese companies are actively participating in projects in Azerbaijan as both investors and contractors. Many important projects have already been implemented, and many others are currently under way.

Of course, strong mutual support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries clearly demonstrates China’s and Azerbaijan’s commitment to the norms of international law. Yesterday, at the high-level meeting held in Bishkek in the SCO Plus format, President Xi Jinping spoke about legal norms, rules of conduct, international relations, and the equality of every country on the global map. We fully agree with this very clear vision. Mutual support, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equal representation of every country worldwide, and a policy aimed at cooperation rather than confrontation fully align with our strategy.

Of course, an important segment of our cooperation is connectivity. The Belt and Road Initiative, implemented on the initiative of President Xi Jinping, is fully supported by Azerbaijan. We demonstrate this not only through statements, but also through practical steps. Today, connectivity between Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and China is an important factor for global cooperation and security. Last month, I paid state visits to two Central Asian countries. Next month, I will visit a third Central Asian country, and, of course, an important part of our negotiations is the topic of connectivity. Here, China is the main player in terms of cargo volumes.

We see great potential for cooperation and strong partnership in the field for which you are directly responsible. I am glad that you will spend several days here to hold negotiations with your colleagues, get acquainted with the country, and learn more about Azerbaijan.

Finally, the last issue relates to a sign of friendship and mutual trust. That is the elimination of visa requirements for travel between the two countries. Now our citizens can travel without any visa requirement. This is also a very important sign of friendship. I convey my best wishes to you and wish you a safe return to your country.

Then, Ying Yong, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of China, delivered a speech, stating:

– Your Excellency, Mr. President Ilham Aliyev,

At the invitation of Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev, I am leading a delegation of Chinese procurators visiting Azerbaijan. Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev attaches great importance to exchanges and cooperation with our procuratorial agencies and strongly encourages both procuratorial bodies to strengthen friendship and cooperation.

On this visit, I am leading the delegation to Azerbaijan. This visit is a concrete step toward implementing the important common consensus reached by the two leaders on promoting a comprehensive strategic partnership and strengthening cooperation between the procuratorial bodies and judicial systems of the two countries.

Two days ago, I met with Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Inam Karimov. Our meetings were very productive. I am pleased that you have taken your valuable time to receive me and my delegation after your participation in the SCO Plus format meeting. On behalf of the procuratorial organs and on my own behalf, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for this.

Prior to the visit, I reported to President Xi Jinping that our delegation would be received by you during our visit to Azerbaijan. President Xi Jinping asked me to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to you.

Mr. President, China and Azerbaijan are sincere friends, equal partners, and countries building mutually beneficial cooperation. National Leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev laid a solid foundation for friendly relations between the two countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, both nations have remained committed to the principles of mutual respect, justice, equality, and cooperation, as well as to relations based on mutual benefit, and have successfully forged deep friendship and mutual trust.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the greetings conveyed by President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping and asked Ying Yong to pass on his greetings to President Xi Jinping as well.

Over the past week, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced what he described as the country’s new ‘Fourth Republic,’ presenting a new constitution as the institutional foundation of a political era built around peace rather than conflict.

The announcement carries particular significance for Armenia’s relations with Azerbaijan. Baku has consistently identified constitutional change as a non-negotiable precondition for signing a final peace treaty, arguing that Armenia’s existing constitutional framework contains latent territorial claims against Azerbaijan through its reference to the 1990 Declaration of Independence, which itself invoked the reunification of Karabakh with Armenia.

Pashinyan, however, has sought to frame the constitutional process not as a concession to Azerbaijan, but as a domestic transformation driven by the Armenian public’s purported rejection of the old conflict-oriented political paradigm.

‘We cannot do this, especially after the 2026 elections, in which our people voted for peace,’ Pashinyan said today.

Pashinyan and his government continue to push for a new constitution, arguing it will establish a “Fourth Republic” and fix judicial gaps, while maintaining that the process is a domestic priority rather than a concession to outside pressure.

Official Yerevan has not set a specific final date to adopt a new constitution. Pashinyan’s administration plans to put a new draft through a public discussion and eventually a nationwide referendum, but the timeline remains uncertain after the ruling party did not secure a constitutional majority in the June 2026 parliamentary elections.

Pashinyan also formally declared the establishment of Armenia’s “Fourth Republic,” a new political era built around a “logic of peace” rather than conflict.

It follows the country’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections and is built on the doctrine of “Real Armenia,” shifting the nation’s core focus from historical conflict to regional peace and sovereign development.

But how reachable is that idea? And what does it say about Armenia’s political landscape in broader implications?

In his assessment to AzerNEWS, political commentator Levon Ghazaryan, being positive in regard to the initiative, still thinks it is institutionally underspecified.

‘The “Fourth Republic” language Pashinyan uses is indeed one of the clearest statement of this intent. Breaking the country free from the past ideologies, that includes institutional corruption, external dependency, or any revolutionary chaos, and so on. We can talk for hours about that. The intention as a whole is indeed ambitious, and most probably preparing in some sort of programme, declaring and stating it out loud wants strong political willpower. However, as much as it is laudable, we need to pinpoint certain issues – given the fact how underspecified it was.’

The expert then argues that this is precisely where Armenia’s European trajectory becomes significant:

‘This whole thing seems like an act of describing a clean-break democratic state with European standards of governance, judicial independence, and economic openness. Now, the Armenian parliament passed the relevant bill in March 2025, beginning the process of accession to the EU. Pashinyan has pledged to make an official application for membership in the near future. The 2026-2031 governmental program provides for the signing of a peace treaty with Azerbaijan and reopening the border with Trkiye. It is no figure of speech but a formal commitment contained in the official governmental program for five years.

The problem of institutions here is that accession to the EU necessitates harmonization of legislation in the spheres of trade, phytosanitary, customs, competition, financial services and the rule of law according to the body of European law, which is in direct contradiction with Armenian EAEU commitments. As it appeared from the Russian side’s displeasure, Mr. Pashinyan and his administration will face contradiction on several occasions.’

Specifying the possible problems, he also hopes for this declaration as a great foundation for the future:

With all being said, what makes the idea of the Fourth Republic plausible is the external anchoring offered by the very process of EU accession. Indeed, although the so-called “merit-based process,” which Brussels talks about and which might appear dismissive at first glance, is nothing but the mechanism that ensures the durability of institutional reform by linking Armenian legislative initiatives with external standards which any future government in Armenia will not be able to easily undo without incurring EU sanctions. The same logic was applied to the EU accession process in the Central and Eastern Europe in the 1990s and 2000s.

This should also be analyzed over the course of its implications in the region as well.

The peace process [between Azerbaijan and Armenia] is at the most advanced stage it has reached in thirty years, and the institutional architecture being built around it is more durable than the previous formats precisely because it is bilateral rather than mediated. The economic logic for completing the process is stronger than it has been at any previous point. Azerbaijan is already Armenia’s fuel supplier. Now, Yerevan hopes to make the same progress with Trkiye as well. A normalised Armenian-Turkish relationship removes one of the most politically charged obstacles to Ankara deepening its EU engagement, which was the case of the Armenian genocide. Pashinyan has been explicit that improving relations with Trkiye takes priority over the genocide recognition agenda as a foreign policy instrument. And Ankara might also be the biggest winner in the longer run, gaining influence in the region, getting closer to the EU, etc.’

In conclusion, Ghazaryan, thinking of the initiative as a consequential step, at the end thinks the honest answer lies in which scenario Armenia will take in the longer run.

‘But the five-year stakes are really meaningful, and in my view, the straightforward truth is that we will not know whether Armenia is in Scenario One or Scenario Two until 2028 or 2029 – that is, until after there is either a peace treaty signed or a failure at the constitutional referendum; there is either an open Turkish border or a closed Turkish border; and there is either candidacy to the EU process or a nice equilibrium in which the West supports Armenia’s development without pushing for membership.

In the case that Scenario One plays out – that is, if there is a peace treaty, an open Turkish border, an EU candidacy status, the construction of the TRIPP, and energy diversification – Armenia in 2031 is going to look like a completely different place than Armenia in 2026. Its GDP growth trajectory, its export markets, its institutions, and its geopolitics are all meaningfully improved. Fourth Republic would have some empirical content.

In the case that Scenario Two plays out – that is, if Pashinyan is still in power and holds institutional control, if he is prosecuting his predecessors, if he is rhetorically deepening his country’s connections to the West, but the constitutional referendum doesn’t happen, the Turkish border is still closed, the EU membership process still aspirational, and Russia’s infrastructural concessions never re-negotiated – then Armenia in 2031 is Armenia in 2026 with nicer press coverage.’

Paris City Hall has cancelled the official opening ceremony of an exhibition outside the city hall featuring Armenian nationals serving prison sentences in Baku, according to the statement.

The exhibition itself has reportedly been on display for several days, but the planned official ceremony has been cancelled.

The statement characterises those featured in the exhibition as Armenian war criminals imprisoned in Azerbaijan.

The cancellation comes amid wider political sensitivities surrounding France’s relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The price of Azerbaijan’s Azeri Light crude oil at Italy’s Augusta port rose by $4.72, or 5.08%, compared with the previous figure, reaching $97.61 per barrel on a CIF basis.

The data was reported by participants in the oil market.

At Turkiye’s Ceyhan port, the FOB price of Azeri Light increased by $5.02, or 5.59%, to $94.74 per barrel.

Meanwhile, the price of Russian Urals crude rose by $5.05, or 7.66%, reaching $70.98 per barrel.

The price of Dated Brent crude, produced in the North Sea, increased by $4.32, or 4.82%, to $93.96 per barrel.

Azerbaijan’s 2026 state budget is based on an average oil price assumption of $65 per barrel.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of the 4th International Mine Action Conference themed “Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements”.

AzerNEWS presents the address:

“Dear Conference participants,

I welcome you on the occasion of the opening of the 4th International Mine Action Conference themed ‘Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements.’

For several consecutive years, the international mine action conferences hosted by Azerbaijan, in close cooperation with the United Nations, have served as important platform for addressing one of the most serious humanitarian, security and development challenges of our time.

Regretfully mines and unexploded ordnance continue to threaten human life and security in many parts of the world. Long after conflicts are over, explosive hazards continue to take lives, injure civilians, damage infrastructure and slow reconstruction projects. In this regard, humanitarian demining is an imperative commitment for safe communities.

Urban recovery in post-conflict territories requires along with reconstruction of buildings, roads and public infrastructure the restoration of safety and confidence. No city, village or settlement can be fully rebuilt, no school or hospital can function safely, no family can return with dignity and no economic activity can develop sustainably unless the land is free from mines and explosive remnants of war. Therefore, humanitarian demining stands at the very foundation of urban recovery and the creation of safe human settlements.

Azerbaijan has faced this challenge in its most severe form. As a result of nearly 30 years of occupation of its territories by Armenia, our country has become one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. According to preliminary estimates, more than 13% of the territory of Azerbaijan is affected by mines and unexploded ordnance. The liberated territories of Garabagh and East Zangezur remain heavily contaminated, creating serious obstacles to reconstruction, economic activity, safe mobility and the return of former internally displaced persons to their native lands.

Since the end of the Patriotic War in 2020, 437 Azerbaijani citizens have fallen victim to mine and explosive ordnance incidents, including civilians, servicemen, deminers, journalists and persons involved in reconstruction activities, resulting in 73 deaths and 364 severe injuries. Overall, since the beginning of Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan, more than 3500 of our citizens have suffered from mines. Among them are children, women and other civilians whose lives have been tragically affected by this hidden threat.

The scale of the challenge is further aggravated by the fact that the minefield maps provided by Armenia have been largely inaccurate and incomplete. Mines and booby traps have been found not only in former military positions, but also along roads, near residential areas, in cemeteries, agricultural lands, forests, riverbanks and other civilian locations. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan remains firmly committed to overcoming these challenges and ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable return of its citizens to their ancestral lands.

Humanitarian demining is an integral and crucial component of Azerbaijan’s reconstruction and rehabilitation program in the liberated territories. The rebuilding of cities and villages, restoration of infrastructure, development of transport and energy networks, revival of agriculture and creation of new residential settlements are carried out in close and precise coordination with mine action activities.

Large-scale demining operations are being carried out across the liberated territories. To date, more than 298 thousand hectares of land have been cleared, and 260,147 mines and unexploded ordnance have been detected and neutralized. Azerbaijan introduces advanced technologies, innovative approaches and modern management systems to increase the speed, safety and effectiveness of mine clearance.

Mine action in Azerbaijan is directly linked with broader national priorities. It supports reconstruction, safe return, agricultural revival, infrastructure development, environmental protection, social reintegration and economic recovery. It also contributes to the implementation of the National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development: Azerbaijan 2030, particularly the priority of the Great Return to the liberated territories.

Within Great Return program cities and villages destroyed during the occupation are being rebuilt, modern infrastructure, roads, tunnels, airports, energy facilities, schools, hospitals, cultural monuments and residential settlements are being restored. The practical results of this policy are already visible. To date, almost 40,000 former internally displaced persons have returned to their homes in the liberated territories. Overall, the number of people currently living in Garabagh and East Zangezur has exceeded 90,000. Azerbaijan is developing and applying advanced models of post-conflict reconstruction, rehabilitation and governance which combine mine action, urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental restoration, digital solutions, social services, public administration and the return of former internally displaced persons within a single coordinated framework. In a short period of time, territories that were devastated and depopulated during the occupation are being transformed into places of life, work, education and opportunity.

While many challenges remain, the results achieved so far demonstrate the effectiveness of Azerbaijan’s integrated approach. We are ready to share this experience with countries and regions facing similar consequences of conflict, because we believe that the Azerbaijani model of demining, reconstruction and return may be of practical interest to many partners across the world.

Azerbaijan has also taken important initiatives to promote mine action at the international level. The importance of safe and resilient settlements and demining was at the center of global discussions during the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum, successfully hosted by Azerbaijan in Baku.

In addition, our country has declared humanitarian demining as the 18th National Sustainable Development Goal and continues to advocate for the recognition of this issue as a global priority.

The mine problem requires stronger international solidarity. Azerbaijan carries out the main burden of both humanitarian demining and the overall reconstruction and rehabilitation process in the liberated territories through its own national resources. However, the scale of contamination, the urgency of reconstruction and the humanitarian importance of safe return require broader and more practical support from the international community. Predictable funding, modern equipment, technical expertise, training, technology transfer and long-term partnerships are essential for accelerating mine clearance and reducing the suffering caused by mines.

I am confident that this Conference will provide a valuable platform for open dialogue, exchange of experience and development of practical cooperation. The discussions held in Baku will contribute to strengthening international mine action standards, promoting innovation, supporting safe urban recovery and advancing our common objective of building safe, resilient and sustainable communities.

I extend my best wishes to all participants and wish the Conference every success.”

Portugal, the Netherlands and Belgium have summoned Russian ambassadors following a series of hybrid attacks linked to an incident at Leipzig Airport.

Portugal is summoning the Russian ambassador today, Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel announced.

“This morning we will make this summons. We will summon the Russian ambassador to give explanations about this incident. We will do so this morning. Therefore, it is natural that he will come to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the coming days,” Rangel told Lusa news agency as he arrived for an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in County Wicklow, Ireland.

Meanwhile, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said the Netherlands had summoned Russian Ambassador to the Netherlands Vladimir Tarabrin over the Leipzig drone incident, De Telegraaf reported.

He also reiterated the Netherlands’ support for the seizure of frozen Russian assets held in Belgium.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot also announced that Russia’s ambassador had been summoned following Germany’s allegations regarding the Leipzig incident.

“As a member of the EU and an ally within NATO, Belgium expresses full solidarity with Germany. I demanded that the Russian ambassador be summoned,” Prévot said in a post on social media X.

He described the operation involving explosives on European territory as an extremely serious hostile act and said he would discuss the issue with his European counterparts during the meeting in Ireland.

The incident occurred on the evening of August 4, when an airport employee discovered a drone near a cargo aircraft. The drone was reportedly carrying around 800 grams of Semtex explosives. Another unidentified object was spotted in the vicinity of the airport later that night.