Category: Azer News

As part of ongoing efforts to engage with the public and address citizens’concerns, Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has held a reception in Gakh district, AzerNEWS reports.

Before the reception, the minister and the head of the district executive authority Elvin Pashayev laid a wreath in front of the monument to the National Leader Heydar Aliyev erected in the city of Gakh, paying tribute to his dear memory.

At the reception held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Gakh district, citizens from Shaki, Gakh, Oguz, Gabala, Zagatala and Balakan districts presented their applications.

The residents’ applications were mainly related to changing jobs, projects and initiatives related to the cultural sector, employment and other issues.

The Culture Minister listened to the requests and proposals of the citizens and said that appropriate steps would be taken to promptly investigate each of the mentioned issues and resolve them in accordance with the legislation.

At the reception, which was also attended by responsible employees of the ministry, instructions were given to pay special attention to and objectively consider the issues raised by the families of martyrs and veterans.

Social networks operating in the UK will be required to delete offensive photos and videos within 48 hours of receiving a complaint; otherwise, they could face heavy fines or even be blocked, AzerNEWS reports.

The amendments were introduced by the UK government to the draft Crime and Policing Bill currently under consideration in the UK Parliament. The new measures are primarily aimed at tackling so-called ‘revenge porn’ , the publication of intimate images by former spouses or partners after a breakup.

In addition, the creation and distribution of sexualised images without a person’s consen, including those generated using artificial intelligence tools such as deepfake technology will be classified as a ‘priority crime.’ This means that law enforcement agencies will treat such offences with the same level of seriousness as crimes involving violence against children or terrorism.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that such content must be removed within a strictly defined timeframe.

‘We are putting companies on notice: any image shared without consent must be removed within 48 hours. Violence against women and girls has no place in our society, and I will not stop until we have done everything possible to eliminate it,’ he said.

Failure to comply with the new rules could result in fines of up to 10% of a company’s global annual revenue – potentially amounting to billions of pounds for major technology platforms.

Experts note that these changes reflect a broader global trend toward stronger regulation of online platforms and greater accountability for protecting users’ privacy and dignity in the digital age.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York was arrested on Thursday, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to Thames Valley Police. The offense carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in the United Kingdom, AzerNEWS reports.

The police did not name Andrew, following standard UK legal practice, but confirmed that two addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk were searched as part of the investigation. Unmarked police vehicles were also spotted outside his Sandringham residence.

‘We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time,’ said Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright. ‘Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.’

The arrest follows weeks of scrutiny over Andrew’s friendship and dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection to Epstein and expressed regret over their friendship.

The arrest marks a rare instance of a senior royal being taken into custody. The last comparable case involved Princess Anne, who in 2002 was convicted under the Dangerous Dogs Act after her dog injured two children – reportedly the first criminal conviction of a royal.

The case caps years of growing public and legal pressure on Andrew, the brother of King Charles III and son of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Authorities and media outlets are now closely monitoring developments.

‘We have been doing a really good job. Some of these leaders, who are with us helped me very much,’ US President Donald Trump said during his speech at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace.

Trump noted that he had settled eight wars during his presidency, ‘I think a ninth to come turned out to be a tougher one. I thought that was going to be the easiest one. But with war, you never know what’s easy and what’s not so easy. We’ve had a great relationship. And I have become friendly with so many of the people. And I appreciate you being here. These are great people. These are great leaders.’

Leyla Aliyeva met in Tirana with the President of the Republic of Albania Bajram Begaj, AzerNEWS reports.

During the conversation, President Begaj noted that the exhibition opened at the residence of the Prime Minister of Albania represents an important milestone in the development of relations between the two peoples.

Leyla Aliyeva emphasized that the foundation of relations between Azerbaijan and Albania goes beyond formal protocols.

The meeting also addressed the elimination of logistical difficulties. The need to launch direct Baku-Tirana flights was underscored.

Considering that Albania enjoys 300 sunny days per year, the parties discussed the development of year-round tourism and ecotourism concepts in the country, as well as the creation of joint routes linking Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo.

It was reported that there is strong interest in Azerbaijani investments in the economic sphere, particularly in the tourism sector. They noted that successful projects implemented by Azerbaijan in Montenegro will not only be replicated along the Albanian coast but are expected to achieve even greater results. During the conversation, they emphasized that the political will of the leaders of the two countries is confirmed by concrete steps – the abolition of the visa regime and the strengthening of diplomatic representation.

Subsequently, the President of Albania viewed the international art exhibition MAMA ‘Mother Nature,’ showcased at the Prime Minister’s residence.

The Board of Peace, established at the initiative of U.S. President Donald Trump to achieve a lasting ceasefire and peace in Gaza, will hold its first meeting today in Washington, D.C. Turkiye will be represented at the meeting by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is not expected to attend the summit, which will see Ankara deliver five critical messages regarding the future of Palestine, Gaza, and the West Bank.

According to sources from the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Hakan Fidan is expected to begin his address in Washington by emphasizing that efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue must continue with determination and reaffirm Turkiye’s full support for the process. He is also expected to call for an immediate end to Israel’s ceasefire violations and practices that hinder the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid. In this context, Turkiye’s continued provision of humanitarian assistance in Gaza and readiness to contribute to reconstruction efforts will be strongly underscored during the meeting.

Additionally, Turkiye’s willingness to play an active role in international mechanisms established to protect the rights and security of the Palestinian people in Gaza will be reiterated. Minister Fidan is expected to stress that the international community must take urgent action against Israel’s increasing pressures, illegal settlement activities, and settler violence in the West Bank, while confirming Ankara’s unwavering support for a two-state solution.

Following President Trump’s announcement that member countries of the board had pledged financial support exceeding $5 billion, attention has turned to the contributions that countries will make. Sources indicate that Turkiye will focus less on direct financial contributions and more on supporting the reconstruction process in Palestine, restoring infrastructure, and providing humanitarian aid.

Looking back at the process leading up to today, a significant diplomatic effort is evident. The first step was taken on September 23, 2025, when President Erdogan and seven other leading Muslim leaders met with U.S. President Trump to seek a ceasefire and peace in Gaza. Following this historic meeting, Trump unveiled a new Peace Plan. On October 13, 2025, at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt, a joint statement signed by Turkiye, the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt announced the establishment of a ceasefire, marking the first stage of the Peace Plan. The plan was officially recognized on November 17, 2025, with the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

On January 14, the Gaza National Committee, consisting of 15 Palestinian technocrats, was established to administer Gaza. On the same day, U.S. President Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced the transition to the second stage of the process. On January 16, the formation of the Board of Peace and its affiliated bodies was announced, with Minister Fidan confirmed to join the Gaza Executive Council.

Some countries initially declined to participate in Trump’s initiative due to concerns that the Board of Peace, born from the idea of establishing peace in Gaza, could become an alternative structure to the United Nations. However, 25 countries have signed the boards’s charter and taken their place in the process.

While these steps were being taken in the political arena, uncertainty and hardship greeted the first day of Ramadan this year in the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by Israeli attacks. On the Gaza coast, young people wrote ‘Welcome Ramadan’ in the sand, while displaced families struggled to survive in tent camps, clinging to life amid scarcity. Families are hoping to make it through Ramadan relying solely on support from humanitarian aid distribution programs.

The black market for essential food items such as flour, olives, and sugar before Ramadan has further exacerbated the hardships faced by Gazans. Hanan Attar, 55, described how her family survives by grinding lentils mixed with pasta and rice received through aid, saying: “There is no flour or oil. For the past three Ramadans, we have been grinding lentils and mixing them with the pasta and rice we get from aid. These days will pass. What matters is that we never go through war again.”

An article titled ‘A New Geopolitical Actor’, published in one of Colombia’s oldest and most prominent newspapers, El Espectador, highlights Azerbaijan’s emergence as an important geopolitical actor amid the complex and dynamic processes shaping today’s global political environment.

The article offers a brief historical overview of the country, noting that in the mid-19th century its capital, Baku, became the centre of the global oil industry. It further emphasises that in 2023 Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity, bringing a decades-long conflict to an end and, as a result, further strengthening its geopolitical standing.

The piece underscores how Azerbaijan has effectively leveraged its geographical advantages and abundant natural resources in the geopolitical, logistics and energy spheres, consolidating its role as a crucial transit country between Central Asia and Europe.

It also touches upon the successful outcomes of President Ilham Aliyev’s balanced foreign policy course, noting that Azerbaijan has further reinforced its position as a reliable bridge between various regions and states.

The author of the article, Marcos Peckel, addresses several significant and nuanced political points. Presenting Azerbaijan as a ‘new geopolitical actor’, he offers compelling observations, stating at the outset that a country does not need to be a great power, or even a middle power, in order to become a geopolitical player.

The journalist’s analysis and comparisons suggest that it is not pathos or grandstanding, but genuine intent and constructive engagement that ultimately lead to success.

As the article demonstrates, El Espectador has closely examined Azerbaijan and its geographical positioning. A country that, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, had once been relegated to the periphery and subjected to pressure from larger powers has, after three decades of struggle, emerged as a state that now acts as a mediator and leading player in both peace-building and economic and political platforms across the region. This transformation has not gone unnoticed, not only by neighbouring states, but even by countries located across the ocean.

In the journalist’s words, ‘In today’s rapidly changing world, this small country of 10 million people is becoming a significant player in regional geopolitics and beyond’ convey deep meaning and clearly, this is no coincidence. Nor is it the result of benevolence in a world where international law is often disregarded. Rather, it concerns a country named Azerbaijan that restored international law where it had been ignored and reasserted its sovereign rights within the framework of that law.

There have been significant disagreements between Germany and France regarding the development of the next-generation fighter jets as part of Europe’s flagship Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, AzerNEWS reports.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has openly questioned Germany’s continued involvement in the project, signaling that Berlin may look for alternative partners outside of France if critical differences are not resolved. Speaking in an interview with the German political podcast Machtwechsel, Merz emphasized that the issue was not political in nature but rather stemmed from differing military requirements. “This isn’t a political dispute,” he explained. “We are facing a serious problem with the demand profile. If we can’t resolve it, we won’t be able to proceed with the project.”

Merz’s comments make it clear that Germany may walk away from the FCAS program unless the fundamental disagreements over the aircraft’s design and capabilities are addressed. A major point of contention is the type of fighter jet that should be developed. France is seeking a new-generation aircraft with nuclear strike capabilities and the ability to operate from aircraft carriers. As Merz pointed out, the Bundeswehr (Germany’s armed forces) currently has no need for such capabilities. “The French want a next-gen aircraft that can carry nuclear weapons and operate off carriers. We don’t need that right now,” he said.

This disagreement raises key questions about whether the FCAS program should result in a single unified aircraft or multiple different versions to meet the distinct needs of each partner. “France wants to produce only the aircraft it requires and adapt it to its needs. But that’s not what we need,” Merz stated, underscoring the divergent priorities.

Merz also shared that he had discussed the future of manned fighter jets with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, speculating that Germany may no longer require such jets in the coming decades. He hinted at the possibility of exploring alternative partnerships within Europe, citing Spain and other nations as potential collaborators. “There are other countries in Europe, including Spain, that are interested in discussing this matter with us,” Merz said.

The FCAS system is intended to replace both the German Eurofighter and the French Rafale aircraft by 2040, integrating stealth technology, drones, and advanced cloud-based combat management systems. However, the project has faced repeated delays, primarily due to disputes between the two key industrial partners-Dassault Aviation (backed by France) and Airbus (supported by Germany). These ongoing disagreements over design authority have led to significant setbacks, raising concerns about the future of the program.

An interesting aspect of this dispute is the broader implications for European defense cooperation. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, particularly with the rising tensions in Eastern Europe and the growing influence of the U.S. in European defense, Germany and France’s diverging defense priorities could push both nations to seek different alliances or even forge independent paths in their military capabilities. This might ultimately lead to the fragmentation of what was intended to be a unified European defense initiative, or perhaps spur the creation of new, more tailored defense coalitions across the continent.

The First Turkological Congress, held in Baku from February 26 to March 6, 1926, was a historic gathering of 131 delegates from the Turkic-speaking Soviet republics, Russia, and Turkiye.

The congress’s goal was to advance the study of Turkic languages, history, and culture, with a particular emphasis on the introduction of a unified Latin-based alphabet.

It sought to address the linguistic, cultural, and educational challenges facing the Turkic peoples and is recognized as a milestone in the cultural history of the Turkic world, establishing modern standards in Turkology.

As the centenary of this historical event approaches, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) is preparing a series of commemorative events to honourThe the legacy of the First Turkological Congress.

At its most recent meeting, the ANAS Praesidium reviewed the state of preparations and outlined the tasks facing the centenary celebrations, ensuring that the congress’s historical significance continues to inspire contemporary Turkological research and international scientific collaboration.

President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), Academician Isa Habibbayli, addressed the event.

In his speech, he noted that it is planned to organise events in stages within the framework of the anniversary.

Isa Habibbayli brought to attention that the first major event of the Congress is planned to be held on February 27. He said that the event will be an international scientific conference on the theme “Founders and traditions of the First Turkological Congress: history and modernity”. He stressed that the main goal of this event is to commemorate the initiators, leading figures and scientific ideas of the First Turkological Congress, and to discuss the continuation of the scientific and spiritual traditions formed by the Congress in the modern era.

The ANAS President brought to attention that within the framework of the commemorative event, it is planned to hold extensive scientific discussions and panel sessions dedicated to the scientific heritage of the First Turkological Congress and modern Turkological processes.

“Special importance was given to international scientific cooperation in the preparation process. The events are planned to be attended by about 50 influential scientists and academics representing the Turkic world from Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, regions of the Russian Federation inhabited by Turkic peoples, as well as other countries. The events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress are being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Science and Education. The Yunus Emre Institute, the Turkish Language Association and Khazar University are participating as the main partner organizers,” Isa Habibbayli said.

“Within the framework of cooperation with these organizations, joint activities are being carried out in the direction of preparing the scientific program, identifying speakers and panel participants, ensuring coordination with international partners, as well as forming the organizational and cultural program of the events,” he concluded.

At the same time, systematic work is being carried out by the ANAS scientific departments and institutes to organize scientific conferences, round tables and discussions dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, prepare special publications, include the transcript of the Congress and archive documents in scientific circulation, and cover materials related to the anniversary events in the media.

In this framework, the scientific analysis of the ideas of the First Turkological Congress in the context of the modern Turkic world, the issues of pan-Turkic values ??and the formation of a common scientific memory are kept in the center of special attention.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Grlek delivered important statements on a wide range of topics, from the fight against illegal gambling and drugs to investigations into the FETÖ organization, and from the “ALO Justice” hotline to the functioning of the judicial system. Emphasizing that the fight against crime will continue relentlessly and without compromise, Grlek stated that operations against criminal networks targeting young people-particularly illegal gambling and drug rings-will continue resolutely in all 81 provinces of Turkiye.

Appointed to the Ministry of Justice on February 11 after serving as Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor, Grlek gave an exclusive interview to Yeni Safak. Reflecting on his time as Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor, he said he fought illegal gambling ‘to the very end.’ He added, ‘We conducted major operations in this area. We dismantled the illegal gambling system. These gambling companies constantly change methods, just like in fraud. The same tactics are followed in illegal gambling. But we are determined on this matter.’

Addressing the recent public debate over the concept of ‘children driven to crime,’ Grlek emphasized that the 12th Judicial Package would cover this issue. He said, ‘We will make an addition to the 12th Judicial Package regarding children driven to crime. We will carry out this work in consultation with our Ministry of Family and Social Services.’ He also provided a timeline for the legislative work, stating, ‘We plan to accelerate this and bring it to our Grand National Assembly by summer. We also aim to revise the definition of children driven to crime. In Europe, the age for individuals under this definition is 10. We continue to work on these matters.’

Grlek highlighted how criminal organizations and street gangs exploit legal loopholes, saying, ‘The 11th Judicial Package included some regulations in this area. Preparations for the 12th Judicial Package are ongoing.’ He also recalled contacting grieving families after the Atlas and Minguzzi murders. Regarding the age range of children in the legal system, he stated, ‘We need to address the concept of ‘child.’ In terms of criminal law, children aged 12-18 have criminal responsibility. Our penal code categorizes them into two groups: 12-15 and 15-18. We will work on these groups. We will absolutely not give street gangs any leeway.’

On regulations concerning social media, Grlek noted, ‘As far as I know, there is a legislative effort regarding social media. We are in close contact with our Ministry of Family and Social Services and will manage this work together.’ Once the law passes in Parliament, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) will become involved. Grlek explained that unverified accounts may be given a grace period: ‘After the law passes in Parliament, BTK will intervene. These accounts will be given time, during which verification can take place.’

Stressing the importance of identity verification, Grlek said, ‘If a person wants to comment or post on social media, their identity must be known. They cannot do this using fake accounts or accounts from abroad without verification.’ He added a criminal responsibility perspective: ‘If someone makes a statement on social media, targeting an individual, their identity is known, and their criminal responsibility begins. I consider the legislative work on social media to be very important.’

On the fight against terrorism, Grlek delivered a firm message: ‘We will continue the struggle against FETÖ with determination. There can be no relaxation in this matter.’

To facilitate citizens’ access to judicial institutions and enable rapid resolution of issues, Grlek announced the creation of the ‘ALO Justice’ hotline. He said the pilot project will start in Istanbul and be AI-supported. ‘We will establish the ALO Justice line, with Istanbul as the pilot region. Citizens can either visit courthouses or call the hotline. We will run an AI-supported system. Wherever there are deficiencies, we will use AI to ensure the line functions efficiently. Citizens can reach the ALO Justice line by phone, email, or via CIMER,’ he explained.