Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

In an era where global supply chains are being redefined and geopolitical fault lines are shifting, the emergence of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route-commonly known as the Middle Corridor-offers a compelling alternative to traditional East-West trade routes. The recent agreement between the railway operators of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia to establish a unified long-term tariff across the entire corridor marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Eurasian logistics. This is not merely a technical adjustment; it is a strategic alignment that could reshape the economic geography of the region.

The Middle Corridor stretches from China through Central Asia, across the Caspian Sea, through the South Caucasus, and onward to Europe. It bypasses both Russia and Iran, offering a politically neutral and economically efficient route for freight transport. In the wake of global tensions, sanctions, and the need for diversified trade channels, this corridor has gained unprecedented relevance. It is no longer a secondary option-it is fast becoming a primary artery for Eurasian commerce.

The significance of this corridor lies not only in its geography but in its potential to foster regional cooperation and economic integration. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia are not merely transit countries; they are strategic stakeholders in a new vision for Eurasia. Their decision to harmonize tariffs across the corridor is a bold step toward eliminating logistical bottlenecks and enhancing the competitiveness of the route. It sends a clear message to global markets: the Middle Corridor is open for business, and it is here to stay.

The agreement, signed during the VII International Transport and Logistics Business Forum ‘New Silk Way’ in Almaty, is embedded within a broader action plan aimed at removing ‘bottlenecks’ along the route. These bottlenecks-whether infrastructural, procedural, or regulatory-have long hindered the corridor’s full potential. By committing to joint development of port, rail, and logistics infrastructure, and by embracing digitalization of procedures, the three countries are laying the groundwork for a seamless and modern transport ecosystem.

This is not just about trains and tariffs. It is about vision, resilience, and strategic foresight. The Middle Corridor offers a lifeline to landlocked Central Asian economies, a gateway for Chinese goods to reach European markets, and a bridge for European exporters to access Asia. It is a corridor of opportunity, and the recent trilateral agreement is a testament to the political will required to unlock that opportunity.

Moreover, the unified tariff structure simplifies the cost calculation for shippers and logistics companies, making the corridor more attractive and predictable. In a world where time is money and uncertainty is the enemy of investment, such predictability is invaluable. It reduces friction, accelerates decision-making, and enhances the corridor’s appeal to global logistics players.

The strategic importance of the Middle Corridor cannot be overstated. It is a counterbalance to the Northern Corridor and the Southern Corridor. It offers a stable, secure, and efficient route that aligns with the interests of a wide array of stakeholders-from multinational corporations to regional governments. Its development is not just a regional priority; it is a global necessity.

The trilateral agreement also reflects a deeper geopolitical reality: the rise of regionalism in a multipolar world. As global powers recalibrate their strategies, regional actors are stepping up to shape their own destinies. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia are demonstrating that cooperation, not confrontation, is the key to progress. Their alignment on the Middle Corridor is a model for others to follow.

In conclusion, the Middle Corridor is more than a transport route-it is a strategic project that embodies the aspirations of a new Eurasia. The recent agreement on unified tariffs is a milestone that will accelerate its development and enhance its global standing. As the world looks for alternatives to congested and politicized trade routes, the Middle Corridor stands out as a beacon of connectivity, cooperation, and economic promise. The future of Eurasian logistics is being written today-and the ink is flowing through Baku, Almaty, and Tbilisi.

The open court hearing on criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes resulting from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on October 2, Azernews reports.

The session, held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with a panel consisting of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that each of the accused was provided with an interpreter in their preferred language and defense lawyers.

The hearing was attended by the accused, their defense attorneys, some of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors defending the state’s accusations.

Victim Ilham Mammadov testified first. He stated that on May 10, 2002, while serving in the military and heading to his post, he was captured by Armenian armed forces near Haram. Mammadov noted that he was unarmed at the time. Armenian soldiers beat him and subjected him to torture. He described one officer as particularly cruel and later learned his name was Levon.

Responding to questions from Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev, Mammadov identified accused Levon Mnatsakanyan as the perpetrator, stating: ‘He punched me in the head and then struck me with the butt of his rifle. He took me to a rock and fired at me. At that time, my back was facing the positions of the Azerbaijani Army. He forced me to stand in a spot where our forces might have shot me unknowingly. Later, they made me walk through mined areas against my will.’

Mammadov also answered questions from prosecutor Nasir Bayramov, head of the Department for the Protection of State Accusations of the Prosecutor General’s Office, Special Assistant to the Prosecutor General Tugay Rahimli, and other state prosecutors Tarana Mammadova and Vusal Abdullayev. He explained that he was held for a week in Azerbaijani territories then occupied by Armenian forces before being transferred to Armenia. After 6 months and 15 days in captivity, he was handed over to Azerbaijan.

In response to defense questions, Mammadov said he did not know Mnatsakanyan before his capture and was unaware of his position at the time. ‘But based on his attitude, I assume he was the chief of staff,’ he added.

Answering questions from accused Levon Mnatsakanyan, Mammadov confirmed he was born in 1973 and held the rank of lieutenant when captured. ‘I received my officer rank upon graduating from the Azerbaijan State Agricultural Academy, which had a military department,’ he said.

He added that during his extended military service, he initially served on the rear front before being deployed to the front line, where he was captured shortly after.

Accused Mnatsakanyan confirmed an incident in 2002 involving the capture of an Azerbaijani soldier, stating that the individual was brought in for investigation, questioned by the investigators, and later handed over to the relevant authorities. He claimed the prisoner was not subjected to torture and was provided with water and bread.

In response to questions from the prosecutor defending the state accusation, Mnatsakanyan said he did not know if the captured Azerbaijani was Mammadov and that he did not recognize him.

The lawyer for accused Melikset Pashayan requested a confidential meeting with their clients, which Judge Zeynal Aghayev granted during the recess.

Accused Davit Ishkhanyan requested that the court provide a list of internationally registered organizations and media outlets in Azerbaijan. The presiding judge stated that this matter falls outside the court’s jurisdiction and activities. He noted that there are no problems with the activities of international organizations in Azerbaijan; they operate legally and respect the country’s legislation. His lawyer can provide the list to him.

The judge also informed Davit Ishkhanyan that a video interview of Manvel Grigoryan, former Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia, previously presented and admitted as evidence, would be loaded onto the defendants’ tablets.

It should be noted that after the video material was examined in court, Davit Ishkhanyan had requested that the full video be loaded onto their tablets.

The court proceedings continued with the announcement of documents related to the criminal cases.

First, documents regarding the killing and wounding of Azerbaijanis due to Armenian armed forces’ attacks, including mine sabotage incidents, were announced.

Subsequently, documents on crimes committed by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups on September 19-20, 2023, were presented.

The court also announced documents on incidents in liberated territories where civilians were killed or injured due to explosions of mines and other explosive devices.

Additionally, documents related to the killing of telejournalist Chingiz Fuad oglu Mustafayev (posthumously awarded the title of ‘National Hero of Azerbaijan’) were announced.

The court session featured documents on the military operation conducted in Dashalti village of Shusha district on January 26, 1992; the attack on the TEM-2-7065 locomotive on the Gazakh-Barkhudarly railway line on April 23, 1992; the shelling of the Barkhudarly railway station on September 9, 1991; and other incidents.

Furthermore, documents on the shelling of Tartar district during the Patriotic War, the significant damage inflicted on ‘TartarCotton’ OJSC, and the shelling of Fuzuli, Beylagan, Goranboy, Barda, Aghdam, Aghjabadi, Jabrayil (Jojug Marjanli village), and the city of Naftalan during the Patriotic War were announced.

The court also presented documents on rocket attacks on Yevlakh district and Goran village in Goranboy district, the shelling of the city of Mingachevir, and rocket launches toward Siyazan, Kurdamir, and Gabala districts on October 22, 2020.

The next set of documents announced concerned the destruction caused by Armenian armed forces in occupied territories, including damage to individual residential houses, non-residential buildings, and cultural heritage.

The court announced documents on the massive damage to the forest fund of Lachin district and the destruction of houses in Lachin district and other areas.

Documents related to the illegal settlement of the population, the smuggling of weapons to the Karabakh region, and the use of phosphorus shells were also presented.

The examination of the documents was accompanied by photographs related to the criminal cases.

The trial will continue on October 3.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state – including the aforementioned criminal association – on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals – Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan – are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.

Turkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, has said that 5G will serve as a strategic milestone in the country’s digital transformation, underlining the government’s ambition to build an ecosystem based on domestic production.

‘We want to turn our country into a technology hub that not only develops 5G systems locally but also exports them to global markets,’ Uraloglu stated. He emphasized that ongoing projects would pave the way for high-value exports while boosting national technological capacity.

As part of the ‘End-to-End Domestic and National 5G Project,’ Turkiye plans to produce both base stations and core network components within the country. Uraloglu announced that 5G infrastructure will be required to include at least 60 percent domestically produced equipment and 30 percent nationally developed communication technologies. This approach, he noted, will strengthen Turkiye’s telecommunications industry while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

The minister also highlighted the broader economic benefits of the initiative. ‘Through local production, we will both protect our domestic market and achieve the capacity to compete globally,’ he said, adding that the move would also contribute directly to reducing Turkiye’s current account deficit.

Uraloglu pointed to high-tech exports as a key priority of economic policy, stressing that 5G investments would enhance Turkiye’s R and D and patent capabilities. In the longer term, he said, Turkiye aims to be an active player in shaping 6G technologies as well.

Beyond telecommunications, 5G will have transformative effects across multiple sectors. In industry, it will accelerate automation; in transportation, it will enable smart solutions; in healthcare, it will support digitalization; and in finance, it will provide secure data flows. ‘We are not only planning for 5G but also preparing for technologies beyond 5G,’ Uraloglu concluded. ‘These steps will increase Turkiye’s technology exports and strengthen our competitive edge in the global marketplace.’

The TrkMedya E-Commerce and Retail Summit was held at the Istanbul Financial Center, bringing together senior executives from government, finance, and the business world, alongside industry stakeholders. The summit was attended by Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat and Vice President of the Presidency’s Investment and Finance Office Bekir Polat. Opening remarks were delivered by Trade Minister Ömer Bolat, TrkMedya Executive Board Chairman Murat Çiçek, and Halkbank General Manager Osman Arslan.

The summit addressed the effects of digitalization on the retail sector, the growth of e-commerce volume, and future strategies.

In his speech, Minister Bolat underlined the momentum gained by e-commerce during the pandemic:

‘We can easily say that the turning point for e-commerce was the Covid pandemic. That was the period when the importance of e-commerce became clear. I clearly remember that, in those days, whatever the business in computer and information technologies, it grew exponentially,’ he said.

Sharing global and national data, Bolat noted:

‘Global trade is expanding rapidly, and projections for 2026 foresee a global trade volume of $8.1 trillion. This figure was $5.5 trillion just four years ago, in 2022. In Trkiye, the share of people ordering goods and services online was 35 percent in 2020, when Covid began, and has now risen to 55.7 percent-nearly 56 percent-in 2025. This growth is continuing.’

Bolat emphasized the role of the Ministry of Trade in monitoring the sector:

‘As the Ministry of Trade, we operate ETBIS, the e-commerce registration system. Each year we publish a report called The Outlook of E-Commerce in Trkiye. On May 6 this year, we announced our latest report. By the end of 2024, e-commerce volume reached 3 trillion Turkish lira. This includes everything-from ticket sales to clothing and food, essentially all e-commerce transactions. Compared with 2023, this represents an increase of 61.7 percent. Based on the average exchange rate at the time, this 3 trillion lira corresponds to about $90 billion in trade.’

He also highlighted the impact on retail e-commerce:

‘Retail e-commerce reached 1.619 trillion lira in 2024, a 63.7 percent rise compared with the previous year. These figures are huge and growing every year far beyond inflation or revaluation rates. The share of e-commerce in our gross domestic product has reached 6.5 percent. Between 2019, before the pandemic, and 2024, the compound annual growth rate was 30 percent. Globally, e-commerce sales account for more than 19 percent of total retail sales, and this is expected to reach 25 percent by 2027. In Trkiye, e-commerce’s share in total trade has reached 19.1 percent, about one-fifth-similar to the global level.’

Bolat added that order volumes have grown sharply:

‘The number of orders in Trkiye rose from 1.36 billion to 5.91 billion. The number of marketplace sellers increased from 57,000 in 2019 to 584,000. That’s a 919 percent increase-nearly a tenfold jump-in the number of sellers over five years. These figures show that e-commerce in Trkiye is advancing in giant strides. It is impossible for a business to survive in competition without taking digitalization and e-commerce into account.’

He also pointed to the entrepreneurial structure of the sector:

‘Of all e-commerce businesses, 78.5 percent are sole proprietorships, 18 percent are limited companies, and 3.6 percent are joint-stock companies. This means e-commerce has spread widely, been embraced by society, and is seen as a powerful tool for competition, especially for individual entrepreneurs.’

As part of the 11th Baku International Book Fair, the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Ombudsman) held a presentation on October 1, Azernews reports. The event showcased the Ombudsman’s publications and awareness-raising activities.

At the event, the head of the Legal Awareness Sector of the Ombudsman’s Office, Mugalib Mahmudov, provided information about the awareness-raising activities carried out by the Ombudsman. He spoke about the work done in areas such as citizens’ rights and freedoms, children’s rights, gender equality, the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, and the promotion of international human rights documents.

He noted that the institution regularly prepares and distributes various publications, brochures, and booklets among the public, and also holds awareness-raising events aimed at increasing the legal knowledge of young people.

At the event, Vali Guliyev, acting head of the Analysis and Monitoring Sector of the Department of Access to Information of the Ombudsman’s Office, provided detailed information about the Ombudsman’s activities in this field. He stated that ensuring citizens’ right to access information, cases of violations of this right, and the information access opportunities for vulnerable population groups are always at the center of attention.

A representative of the Ombudsman’s Office added that expanding information access opportunities for vulnerable groups-such as persons with disabilities, low-income families, children, and elderly people-and presenting information in accessible formats for them is one of the priority areas.

Then, Azer Isali, Senior Advisor of the Child Rights Protection Sector of the Department of Human Rights Protection of the Ombudsman’s Office, talked about the protection of children’s rights, the awareness-raising activities carried out in this area, and the publications prepared. He emphasized that the work done in the field of protecting children’s rights serves to educate them, increase their legal knowledge, and ensure their growth in a healthy environment. Azer Isali also highlighted that the Ombudsman’s Office prepares various brochures, booklets, and educational materials to promote national and international legislation on children’s rights.

Shahla Aslanova, Chief Advisor of the Department of Cooperation with International Organizations and Civil Society Institutions of the Ombudsman’s Office, discussed the projects implemented by the institution in cooperation with international organizations, joint work with civil society institutions, and awareness-raising activities. She noted that the joint activities in the field of human rights protection and promotion make a significant contribution to raising public awareness.

On the initiative of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Azerbaijan, books, leaflets, and booklets dedicated to legal awareness were prepared and published in various languages – Azerbaijani, Russian, English, Ukrainian, and French – from 2002 to 2025.

In total, during the Ombudsman’s activities, 278 publications have been printed and presented to a wide readership, including one electronic edition. Of these, 190 are books, 79 are leaflets and booklets, and 9 are posters.

Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations encompass a multifaceted cooperation agenda, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in his letter to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Azernews reports.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized: ‘We are delighted by the continuous expansion and enrichment of our mutually beneficial cooperation in political, economic, trade, industrial, energy, transport-logistics, security, investment, agricultural, humanitarian, and other fields. The unprecedented achievements we have attained in a short period through bilateral cooperation contribute to the progress of our countries, the well-being of our peoples, regional cooperation, and overall prosperity and stability.’

A violation of the state border from the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Azerbaijan was prevented in the service area of the ‘Horadiz’ border detachment of the State Border Service, Azernews reports.

As a result of joint border search and operational measures conducted by the State Border Service and the State Customs Committee, a total of 15 kilograms 200 grams of marijuana and 1,490 methadone M-40 pills containing narcotics were discovered and seized. The contraband was being smuggled across the border with the intent of illegal circulation inside Azerbaijan.

The State Border Service emphasized that such operations demonstrate the country’s determination to combat drug trafficking, which poses a threat to both national security and public health. It was also underlined that the Azerbaijani side continues to strengthen cooperation between border and customs authorities to ensure effective control over the state border, particularly in areas vulnerable to smuggling attempts.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, participated in the opening ceremony of the event titled ‘Accelerating Renewable Energy in Central Asia’ held during Kazakhstan Energy Week, organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). He also took part in the Ministerial Roundtable on the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Central Asia (APRECA), Azernews reports.

In his speech, Shahbazov noted that the APRECA initiative, first launched in Azerbaijan during COP29, promotes deeper cooperation between Central Asia and neighboring regions in the field of renewable energy and critical raw materials. He highlighted the Central Asia-Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor as a key project contributing to this effort. Azerbaijan is aiming to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix to 40% by 2030 while strengthening regional partnerships and implementing strategic energy infrastructure. He emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev’s policy of integrating Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the Caspian region into a single geopolitical space prioritizes renewable energy collaboration. The Trans-Caspian Green Energy Corridor, set to interconnect national electricity systems for the first time, fully supports this vision and opens new opportunities to develop the Middle Corridor as a green energy route linking Asia and Europe via the Caspian Sea.

Shahbazov also announced that with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), work on the project’s feasibility study will begin shortly. He provided updates on related initiatives, including the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe corridor, as well as the Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Europe and Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkiye-Bulgaria green energy routes. These integrated corridors aim to direct the region’s renewable energy to Turkish and European markets, improve energy flow between continents, and enhance energy security. The interconnectors, equipped with fiber-optic components, will also support digital and transport connectivity, further raising the geostrategic importance of the Middle Corridor.

At the Ministerial Roundtable, participants discussed accelerating renewable energy development through modernizing power grids, building energy storage systems, securing investments and supply chains, and developing cross-border infrastructure. Azerbaijan’s projects and future plans were presented, and cooperation opportunities through the APRECA platform were explored.

The fraternal ties and strong bonds of friendship that unite Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, coupled with our regular and productive high-level dialogues, serve the common progress of our brotherly peoples, said President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

“In particular, the complete elevation of our interstate relations to a new historic stage of alliance in recent years can be regarded as a brilliant practical expression of our firm political will and joint consistent efforts.

Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I am confident that our strategic partnership, grounded in principles of mutual trust and respect, will continue to develop rapidly across all priority areas, including politics, economy, trade, transport, logistics, energy, industry, agriculture, tourism, and culture.

Undoubtedly, our upcoming series of important meetings this year-both in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan-will provide favorable opportunities not only to discuss the prospects of our bilateral relations but also for an in-depth exchange of views on the most pressing issues of regional partnership,” the letter reads.

On October 2, during the ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court concerning crimes committed by citizens of the Republic of Armenia, victim Ilham Mammadov gave testimony.

Azernews reports that Mammadov recounted that on May 10, 2002, while serving in the army and heading to his post in the Haram plain, he was captured by Armenian armed forces. He stated that he had been unarmed at the time. After being taken prisoner, Armenian soldiers beat and tortured him. One of the officers, he noted, displayed particular brutality. Mammadov later learned that the officer’s name was Levon.

Answering questions from state prosecutors, the victim pointed directly at the accused, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and identified him as the officer who had beaten him. He testified: ‘He hit me first with his fist, then with the butt of his rifle. He forced me to climb onto a trench and fired his weapon. At that moment, my back was turned toward the positions of the Azerbaijani Army. He made me stand in such a way that my own soldiers could have shot me by mistake. Later, they forced me to walk through mined areas.’

Mammadov said he was held for a week in Azerbaijani territories under Armenian occupation at the time, before being transferred to Armenia. He remained in captivity for six months and 15 days before being handed back to Azerbaijan.

Responding to questions from the defense, the victim stated that he had not known Mnatsakanyan prior to his capture and was unaware of his military rank at that time. ‘But from the way others treated him, I assume he was the chief of staff,’ he added.

In response to Mnatsakanyan’s own questions, Mammadov confirmed that he was born in 1973 and held the rank of first lieutenant at the time of his capture. He explained: ‘I graduated from the Azerbaijan Agricultural Institute, which had a military department, and was granted an officer’s rank upon completion.’

The trial continues against several citizens of Armenia accused of committing numerous crimes as a result of Armenia’s military aggression, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, preparation and waging of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism and its financing, the violent seizure and retention of power, and other grave offenses.