Category: Azer News

Footage from the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity ceremony in Abu Dhabi was posted on President Ilham Aliyev’s social media accounts, Azernews reports.

The post reads:

Presentation of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity to President Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi (04.02.2026)

Three years after the devastating earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaras on February 6, Trkiye has made significant progress in one of the largest reconstruction efforts in its history, covering 11 provinces. Hundreds of thousands of homes, workplaces and public facilities have been completed as part of the rebuilding process.

According to official data, public spending on reconstruction exceeded 3.6 trillion Turkish lira at 2025 prices, equivalent to nearly $90 billion. The first housing projects were launched just 15 days after the disaster, underscoring the speed of the response. Across the 11 affected provinces, a total of 455,000 independent units have been completed and delivered. Nearly 200,000 people were employed in the reconstruction effort, with housing built at an average pace of 23 units per hour, or roughly 550 per day. The first village houses were handed over to their owners within 45 days.

Economic recovery programs were also introduced to revive industry and employment. Financial support amounting to 23 billion lira was provided to organized industrial zones and industrial estates in earthquake-hit provinces. A total of 936 workplaces were completed in Kahramanmaras, Gaziantep and Malatya, while more than 1,800 new workplaces are planned for construction in 2026.

In the labor market, support mechanisms such as short-time work allowances and cash wage assistance provided nearly 40 billion lira in aid. The number of insured employees, which stood at 1.889 million before the earthquake, rose to 2.004 million by August 2025.

Major investments were made in education infrastructure, with 72 billion lira allocated for the construction of 13,321 classrooms and 6.9 billion lira spent on strengthening 2,776 classrooms. Universities received 5.1 billion lira for reconstruction, reinforcement and campus infrastructure, while an additional 2.4 billion lira was earmarked under the 2026 investment program.

In the healthcare sector, investments totaling 40.8 billion lira led to the completion of 109 healthcare facilities with a combined capacity of 5,123 beds. Public hospital bed capacity increased by 16 percent to 27,503. In addition, 12 emergency hospitals with a total capacity of 2,096 beds were rapidly brought into service.

Regarding transportation infrastructure, authorities announced that 98 percent of the 9,176-kilometer road network remained undamaged. Repair and reinforcement works are ongoing on damaged sections under a program worth 98 billion lira.

In agriculture and livestock farming, breeders who lost animals during the earthquakes received free livestock and beehives financed by a 909 million lira budget. In 2025 alone, total agricultural support payments across the 11 provinces reached 17.4 billion lira.

In the fields of youth, sports and cultural heritage, funding of 2.066 billion lira was allocated for 338 facilities. Inspections were carried out on 5,119 registered cultural assets, revealing that hundreds of structures had collapsed or suffered severe damage. Separate allocations of 1.5 billion lira were planned for both 2025 and 2026 for restoration and reconstruction works.

In Hatay province, the February 6, 2023 earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 7.6 claimed 24,147 lives and caused the collapse of more than 90,000 buildings. In the third year since the disaster, aerial images captured by drones were used to compare the scale of destruction with current reconstruction progress. New buildings have risen in Antakya’s Cumhuriyet Square, Rstem Tmer Pasha Street and Atatrk Street, as well as along the Asi River.

Historic landmarks, including the former parliament building and Habib-i Neccar Mosque-Anatolia’s first mosque-have been restored in line with their original architecture and reopened for use. Kurtulus Street and the Antakya-Reyhanli highway at the Demirköpr junction have been reopened, while new residential areas have replaced the former 600 Evler housing complex. The Iskenderun coastal strip has also been renewed and strengthened with new social amenities.

Hatay Governor Mustafa Masatli stated that more than 194,000 independent units in the province have either been completed or are under construction, and that 13,500 social housing projects have been launched. Describing the city’s recovery, Masatli said Hatay has been ‘reborn from its ashes, like the phoenix.’

On February 4, 2026, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, articulated the country’s position on the Taiwan issue during an interview with Global Times, Azernews reports.

Responding to a question about the enduring support between China and Azerbaijan in safeguarding core interests, sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, Bayramov reiterated Azerbaijan’s firm stance.

‘Azerbaijan’s position on Taiwan is clear, consistent, and firmly grounded in international law,’ Bayramov stated. He emphasized that Azerbaijan does not recognize Taiwan’s independence and was one of the first nations to condemn the elections held in Taiwan in January 2024.

The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s strong commitment to the “One China” principle, asserting that any actions that destabilize the regional order are harmful and counterproductive. ‘Provocations, unilateral actions, or attempts to alter the status quo through external interference only heighten the risk of conflict and undermine international trust,’ Bayramov said.

Bayramov further highlighted that Azerbaijan’s support for China on the Taiwan issue aligns with the country’s broader foreign policy principles, including adherence to international law, respect for the sovereign equality of states, and the mutual trust that underpins the comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China.

The Foreign Minister’s comments underscore Azerbaijan’s commitment to regional stability and its ongoing strategic partnership with China, which continues to play a significant role in shaping the two nations’ diplomatic relations.

Thailand will impose a temporary nationwide ban on alcohol sales in connection with the upcoming early parliamentary elections, Azernews reports.

The ban will take effect on Saturday, February 7, from 18:00 local time (15:00 Baku time) and will last throughout the day. “According to Thai law, the sale and distribution of all types of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited nationwide during the election period. This applies to minimarkets, supermarkets, restaurants, entertainment venues, nightclubs, and any events involving the sale or distribution of alcohol,” authorities said.

Thai police warned that violators “will be subject to legal penalties, including imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to 10,000 baht ($314), or both.” They urged both citizens and tourists to cooperate, stating: “We ask everyone to show understanding so that the elections can be conducted smoothly, transparently, and fairly.”

The Election Commission of Thailand has scheduled early elections for the House of Representatives (lower house) of the National Assembly) on February 8, 2026. This followed approval by King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) of Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul’s request to dissolve the lower house in order to “return power to the people.” The move comes after a period of minority government led by the Phumchaithai Party (‘Pride of Thailand’), which struggled to act independently due to political pressure from the People’s Party coalition.

In addition to parliamentary elections, Thailand will also hold a referendum on drafting a new constitution, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape.

Election-day alcohol bans are common in Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations, intended to maintain public order and reduce election-day disturbances. Analysts note that such measures can also influence voter turnout, as many Thais traditionally socialize in bars and restaurants. The combination of early elections and a constitutional referendum makes February 8 one of the most politically significant days in Thailand in recent years, with both domestic and international observers closely monitoring the process.

The Baku Military Court has handed down sentences to seven more defendants in the ongoing trial of Armenian citizens, Azernews reports.

According to the verdict, Melikset Pashayan was sentenced to 19 years in prison, Garik Martirosyan to 18 years, Davit Allahverdiyyan and Levon Balayan to 16 years each, while Vasily Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Erik Ghazaryan were each sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The court noted that the verdicts were delivered as part of proceedings against citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of crimes committed as a result of Armenia’s military aggression. The charges include crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, preparation and conduct of a war of aggression, genocide, violations of the laws and regulations of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and other serious offenses.

On February 4, 2026, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov held talks in Abu Dhabi with the United Arab Emirates’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Azernews reports, citing a statement released by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting focused on the political, economic, trade, energy and humanitarian dimensions of the Azerbaijan-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as cooperation within regional and international organizations and the current security situation in the region.

The two sides emphasized that reciprocal visits by the presidents of Azerbaijan and the UAE, along with the agreements reached and documents signed during those visits, have played a decisive role in elevating bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The ministers reviewed the implementation of agreements reached during the first meeting of the Cooperation Committee on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership held in November last year and welcomed the ongoing preparations for the committee’s second meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Baku later this year.

Both parties underlined the importance of continuing mutual support within regional and international organizations.

During the talks, Foreign Minister Bayramov also briefed his counterpart on the peace agenda following the August 8 Washington summit.

The positive momentum in Azerbaijan-UAE relations was highly praised at the meeting. The sides also discussed possible steps to further facilitate travel for citizens of both countries.

The ministers additionally exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.

On the evening of February 28, an exciting astronomical event known as the “Great Planet Parade” will take place, Azernews reports.

On this date, six planets, including Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, will align and be visible in a specific part of the sky after sunset.

According to the Baku State University’s Astrophysics Department, four of these planets will be visible to the naked eye, while two will require optical instruments for observation. Such events are rare, and the fact that they can be observed during the evening makes them even more intriguing.

Among the brightest objects, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will be easily visible. Since Mercury is close to the horizon, it is recommended to observe from open areas, such as coastal regions or places outside the city. Uranus and Neptune, however, will only be visible with binoculars or a telescope. The most favorable observation time in Baku will be approximately between 19:10 and 20:30.

In astronomy, “planet parades” are categorized based on the number of participating planets: 3-4 planets make a small parade, 5 planets form a medium one, and 6 or more planets constitute a “great parade”.

The alignment of six planets on February 28 qualifies this event as a “great planet parade.” Such occurrences happen on average once every 10 to 20 years, and even more rarely under favorable evening conditions like this one.

It’s important to note that while the planets will appear to align in the sky, they will not physically come close to each other.

The “planet parade” does not affect Earth’s gravity, seismic activity, climate, or magnetic field, and it poses no harm to human health or nature. This is a completely safe and observational astronomical event.

Today, the Baku Military Court delivered its verdict on a group of Armenian citizens found guilty of committing war crimes during Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, which signifies one of the most consequential moments in the post-conflict justice process in the South Caucasus. Long framed internationally as an intractable territorial dispute, the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is now being revisited through the lens of accountability, criminal responsibility, and international law.

The defendants include former leaders of the illegal Armenian administration in Garabagh, among them Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others. Azerbaijani prosecutors accuse them not merely of participation in hostilities, but of playing leading roles in the planning, execution, and political management of a campaign marked by crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and genocide. The scope of the indictment is vast, reflecting the scale and duration of the violence inflicted on Azerbaijani civilians over decades.

At the heart of these proceedings is Azerbaijan’s argument that the war in Garabagh (Karabakh) was not an isolated local conflict, but an organised and state-backed military aggression by Armenia, carried out through its armed forces and illegal armed groups operating on Azerbaijani territory. According to the prosecution, these structures acted under centralised command, supported logistically and politically by Armenian state institutions and senior officials. The charges draw directly on international humanitarian law and mirror categories used in international tribunals, including genocide, forcible deportation, torture, and the intentional targeting of civilians.

One of the most sensitive aspects of the trial concerns crimes committed against Azerbaijani civilians during the early 1990s, particularly the Khojaly massacre of February 1992. During the proceedings, defendant Madat Babayan confessed to participating in the killing of civilians in Khojaly as part of Armenian armed formations. That admission, alongside extensive documentary and testimonial evidence, has reinforced Azerbaijan’s long-held claim that mass atrocities against civilians were not accidental by-products of war, but deliberate acts intended to terrorise and expel the local population.

The sentences handed down so far reflect both the gravity of the crimes and the constraints of Azerbaijani law. Bako Sahakyan and Arkadi Ghukasyan were each sentenced to 20 years in prison, despite prosecutors initially seeking life sentences. Azerbaijani legislation prohibits life imprisonment for individuals who have reached the age of 65 at the time of sentencing, a provision that has shaped several verdicts. Madat Babayan received a 19-year sentence, while other defendants were sentenced to between 15 and 19 years, depending on their level of involvement and command responsibility.

Critics abroad may view these trials through a political prism, questioning timing or motive. Yet to dismiss them as mere victor’s justice risks ignoring the broader context. For decades, Azerbaijani civilians were killed, forcibly displaced, or deprived of basic rights in territories under Armenian occupation. Entire cities and villages were razed. Hundreds of thousands were expelled from their homes. Until now, no meaningful legal process had addressed these crimes or the individuals who oversaw them.

What distinguishes the current proceedings is their openness and their grounding in codified law. The trial is public, defendants are represented by lawyers, evidence is examined in court, and verdicts are delivered with reference to specific articles of the criminal code. This is not a symbolic exercise, but a judicial one, aimed at establishing individual responsibility rather than collective guilt.

More broadly, the trials signal a shift in how post-Soviet conflicts may be reckoned with. Azerbaijan is asserting that reconciliation cannot rest solely on ceasefires and diplomatic statements, but must also confront the legacy of mass violence. Accountability, from this perspective, is not an obstacle to peace but a precondition for it.

Whether international audiences are willing to engage seriously with this process remains an open question. But what is clear is that the trials in Baku represent a deliberate attempt to anchor the post-war order in legal judgment rather than historical denial. For Azerbaijan, this is not only about the past in Garabagh, but about setting a precedent: that crimes against civilians, however politically complicated, will not remain beyond the reach of justice.

The “Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Youth Week” has officially launched in Baku, with the event set to run for two days.

As reported by Azernews, the event will feature panel discussions today on key topics such as ‘The Impact of Education: The Role of Science, Politics, and Communication in Diplomacy’ and ‘From Commitment to Action: Sustainable Development in Civil Society, Industry, and Business.’

During the event, Leyla Hasanova, Chair of the NAM Youth Organization, emphasized that the Youth Week serves as an open, sincere platform for intergenerational dialogue.

‘In the coming days, we will discuss vital issues such as diplomacy in times of uncertainty, sustainable development, energy transition, urban development, and the essential skills required for young people to build meaningful careers in international and political fields. These discussions reflect global challenges and the core values of the Non-Aligned Movement, including cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect,’ Hasanova stated.

She further highlighted that this week is dedicated not only to discussions but also to transforming ideas into action, where politics intersects with the people.

‘We often hear that young people are the leaders of tomorrow, but they are already active participants today, bringing fresh perspectives, responsibility, and a sincere commitment to finding solutions,’ she added.

Hasanova also mentioned that more than 100 participants are taking part in the event, underlining the significant engagement in this important dialogue.

A nostalgic retro night filled with unforgettable melodies has taken place on the stage of the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theatre, delighting music lovers with a journey back to the 80s, Azernews reports.

The concert program, titled “80s Hit Songs,” featured iconic tunes from the era, performed by beloved Azerbaijani singers.

Among the soloists who graced the stage during the retro evening were Gulyanag Mammadova, Heydar Anatollu, Ilhama Gasimova, Ayshan Mehdiyeva, Aynur Isgandarli, Madina Kazimova, Fakhri Kazim Nijat, Rovshan Gahramanov, Taleh Yahyayev, Konul Mammadova, Leyla Babayeva, Aysel Huseynzad?, Sattar Gambarov, and Rasim Safar.

The concert was accompanied by a live performance from the instrumental ensemble, adding an extra layer of energy and nostalgia to the memorable evening.

The Rashid Behbudov State Song Theatre is renowned for its contributions to the country’s music and performing arts scene.

Named after the legendary Azerbaijani singer Rashid Behbudov, the theatre is dedicated to preserving and promoting Azerbaijan’s rich musical heritage, particularly through vocal performance, classical music, and traditional song.

The theatre was officially founded in 1938 as the Azerbaijan State Song Theatre. Its repertoire includes a wide array of musical genres, reflecting both Azerbaijani traditional music and contemporary performances.

It hosts regular concerts, performances of operas, operettas, and musicals, as well as variety shows that feature the best of Azerbaijani song and dance.