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Former commander of the Armenian occupying forces in Garabagh, Jalal Harutyunyan, will finally serve his prison sentence, Azernews reports citing Armenian media.

According to the information, Armenia’s Court of Cassation has refused to review the lawyers’ appeal and upheld the decision of the Court of Appeals. As a result, the previously issued sentence of 5.5 years in prison for the general has officially come into force.

Harutyunyan had earlier been found guilty of negligence under martial law in a high-profile criminal case initiated in 2022, connected to certain episodes of the 44-day war. The case drew significant public attention as it exposed shortcomings in Armenia’s military leadership during the conflict.

In August 2025, lawyers representing the heirs of Armenian soldiers who died due to Harutyunyan’s negligence claimed that the general had been attempting to evade punishment, deliberately avoiding court documents and skipping hearings to delay the process.

With the latest court ruling, his attempts to escape accountability have come to an end.

The 11th conference of think tanks from the Turkic States Organization (OTS) in Baku reflects more than routine diplomatic engagement; it underscores the growing strategic coherence of the Turkic World amid a period of global uncertainty. As multilateral institutions face mounting pressures and geopolitical competition intensifies across Central Eurasia, the OTS is positioning itself as a unique regional actor capable of leveraging shared culture, history, and economic interests to enhance stability and cooperation.

The conference highlighted how shared history, culture, and values create unique advantages for cooperation among Turkic states, while also addressing pressing issues such as geopolitical competition, the erosion of multilateral mechanisms, and transnational threats like cyberattacks and climate change. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening unity, fostering economic and security collaboration, and exploring the potential for the OTS to act as a stabilizing force in the region and beyond.

Azernews spoke with Professor Vasa László, Senior Research Fellow at the Hungarian Institute for International Relations and Trade, to explore the significance of these forums, the potential of the OTS as a regional actor, and the implications for both member and observer states in navigating today’s global disorder.

– What does holding the 11th conference of OTS think tanks in Baku signal about Azerbaijan’s role within the Organization?

These OTS think-tank forums are always organized as a side event of the Sumit of OTS head of states. It was in Baku now, as the OTS Summit is organized by Azerbaijan. Sure, these events allow to focus on topics which are important for the host country. This time we were discussing how the OTS can act as regional actor during the global uncertainties. Connected to this, we also investigated the future ways of the integration of Turkic states.

– In the current era of global disorder, what unique advantages does the Turkic World have compared to other regional groupings?

The OTS countries share not only common economic and security interests but also a common culture, history, and experiences from the past. So these make it to a kind of family, instead of just a group of different countries with same actual interests. The like minded OTS countries recognized that among the uncertainties, they have to act united, as they will be stronger together.

– With global institutions under pressure and multilateralism fragmenting, can the OTS position itself as an alternative or complementary mechanism for regional stability?

Indeed, OTS countries play a crucial role in Central Eurasia’s stability. For instance, no other groupings can negotiate with the Taliban government in Afghanistan. OTS countries are also harmonizing their activities in the field of defense and security, moreover, in the related industries. The Middle Corridor affects all Turkic countries and this fact itself pushes the whole region towards stability.

– What role can observer states (such as Hungary and others) play in broadening the OTS’s influence beyond the Turkic geography?

Hungary as observer is as active within the OTS as the member countries, initiating new projects, e.g. the drought research institute, contributing equally to the Turkic Investment Fund and in Budapest is the only foreign diplomatic representation of the OTS, where the costs are covered by the Hungarian government. Hungary as an EU member, can be an excellent base for Turkic companies and organizations for their expansion and operations in Europe.

– How might competition among global powers in Central Asia and the South Caucasus affect the unity and strategic autonomy of the Turkic States?

Deepening the integration of the OTS is the best way to maintain and keep the sovereignty. The big players are more and more interested for the Turkic stats, due to their resources and the fact that the Middle Corridor goes through these countries. But with proper governance and harmonized foreign policies, these influence attempts can be handled.

Ramin Mammadzade is an internationally recognized and certified English-speaking martial arts instructor and master.

He holds a 3rd Dan black belt in Aikido and a 2nd Dan black belt in Kyokushinkai Karate (Shin Kyokushin discipline).

Recently, he was awarded 4th Dan black belts in four traditional Japanese sword and weapon arts: Kenjutsu – 4th Dan, Iaijutsu – 4th Dan, Nitojutsu – 4th Dan and Kobujutsu – 4th Dan.

In addition, he is a 3rd Kyu in Judo, a 1st Kyu in Iaido (Shin Kage Ryu style), and a 5th Kyu yellow belt in Nunchaku-Do.

Ramin is the official representative of the World Nunchaku Association and the International Kobudo Association in Azerbaijan. He has also been actively practicing, developing, and promoting Kendo in Azerbaijan for many years.

Dedicated to the path of Budo, he continuously works on his personal growth and strives to expand and strengthen the practice of Japanese martial arts in Azerbaijan.

In his interview with AZERNEWS, Ramin Mammadzade opened up about his recent trip to Turkiye, where he had the chance to collaborate with some of the most renowned figures in the martial arts world, including Hanshi Metin Kayar.

During his visit, he participated in a seminar focused on four martial arts disciplines related to swordsmanship: Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Nitojutsu, and Kobujutsu. He was also honored to receive direct guidance from Soke Irie Yasuhiro, a 10th Dan master from Japan, as well as Hanshi Metin Kayar, a 16-time world champion.

Q: What prompted your recent trips to Turkiye, and what were the key objectives you aimed to achieve?

A: Long time I have been collaborating for with the world-known martial artist such as Hanshi Metin Kayar. He is a 16-time world champion in various disciplines, including karate, kickboxing, and martial arts related to swordsmanship. I am very proud and honored to work with such an outstanding master and remarkable personality.

I have been training and practicing according to his program. Metin Kayar created a unique system called Budo 7, which combines seven directions of Japanese martial arts. I will provide more details about this below.

By invitation of Metin Kayar, I traveled to Istanbul, Turkiye, where I represented Azerbaijan. Masters from Turkiyeey also participated on this event together with Metin Kayar and his Sensei from Japan Soke Irie Yasuhiro, holder of the 10th Dan in Ju Jutsu. Hanshi Mettin Kayar himself also holds the 10th Dan, received from his teacher.

This trip, which took place from September 17 to September 21, 2025, was very interesting and fruitful. We combined intensive training with cultural activities. The seminar included sessions in four directions of martial arts related to swords and weapons: Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Nitojutsu and Kobujutsu

In addition, we visited many attractions and historical sites in Istanbul, which made the trip even more enriching and memorable.

Q: How did you come to be an official representative of international martial arts organizations? What are your responsibilities in this role now?

A: After long and dedicated collaboration with Hanshi Metin Kayar and intensive trainings, I embarked on the trip I had previously mentioned to Turkiye. During this visit, I was officially awarded with 4th Dan grades in four martial arts disciplines, as well as the official representative of the organizations: Kokusai Budokan Renmei and Nihon Bushido Kodokai. I am honored to serve as the representative of these organizations in Azerbaijan and am committed to developing these four disciplines in the country.

Additionally, I would like to introduce the BUDO7 system, a unique martial arts framework created by Hanshi Metin Kayar. This system encompasses seven martial arts, and in the future, I plan to promote all of these disciplines here in Azerbaijan.

It was a great privilege to meet such distinguished masters as Soke Irio Yasohiro, 10th Dan in Jiu-Jitsu from Japan, and Hanshi Mitin Koyar, his student, also a 10th Dan in multiple disciplines and a 16-time champion. The trip was filled with inspiring and positive experiences. I gained invaluable knowledge and returned to Azerbaijan full of energy and motivation to represent these organizations and further develop these martial arts.

I have already begun training sessions, holding two classes in these disciplines. One of the key areas is Budo Kendo, where Hanshi Metin Kayar developed his own style, which include katas/kumite and etc. Foam swords fighting by Metin Kayar is very interesting for children and for adults, with foam swords you do not injure anyone rather that have fights with wooden or metal swords and it is very interesting and takes much energy. The sessions have been met with great enthusiasm, especially from the children. We continue to advance and promote these martial arts across Azerbaijan, fostering growth and passion for BUDO in our community.

THE BUD07 is no ordinary martial arts system. It is the life’s work of Metin Kayar, a 16-time world champion in various disciplines – including six titles in karate kumite, three in kenjutsu (weapon forms), two in kobudo (karate weapons), two in karate kata (forms running), and three in kickboxing. From this unique mastery, budo7 was born – a path based on seven traditional Japanese martial arts: Kendo, Ken-Jutsu, Kobu-Jutsu, Karate, Goshin-Jutsu, Aiki-Jutsu and Ju-Jutsu.

But budo7 goes deeper. Each of these disciplines represents an inner line, a principle that transcends technique: Politeness and Appreciation, Recognize and address the good, Confronting the negative with attitude, Maintain balance and equilibrium, Lifelong learning and understanding, Feel the right timing, Concentration and vitality in the here and now. These seven lines connect body, mind, and heart into a harmonious unity. Budo7 is not a rigid style-it is a living path formed from the most valuable elements of traditional Japanese martial arts. Those who do it train not only technique, but also posture.

Q: What does it mean for you to represent both Azerbaijan and Japanese martial arts in such an important way?

A: This is the first time in the history of Azerbaijan and in the history of Japanese martial arts that someone has received a degree in these disciplines. In other words, an Azerbaijani has become a representative of these two major organizations. I believe that I am writing a new chapter in the history of Japanese martial arts in Azerbaijan.

For me, it is a great honor and pride to be a representative of these organizations, to develop the BUDO7 system in Azerbaijan, and to promote the four martial arts of Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Nitojutsu, and Kobujutsu, as well as, in the future, the other martial arts included in the BUDO7 system in Azerbaijan. I will do everything in my power to successfully advance these martial arts in our country.

Q: What are your plans for promoting Aikido and other martial arts in Azerbaijan?

A: Plans for the development of these martial arts in Azerbaijan? Yes, of course, I have plans – big plans. I am already opening a group for children under the BUDO7 system. I am starting classes in Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu, and later I will also conduct training in Nitojutsu and Kobujutsu.

Let me explain the difference: Kenjutsu is when the sword is held with both hands. Iaijutsu is performed with one hand on the sword. Nitojutsu is practiced with two swords, one in each hand. Kobujutsu involves training with various types of traditional weapons, such as nunchaku, bokken (wooden sword), jo, bo, tonfa, saya, and many others.

I will be developing these martial arts both in Azerbaijan and on the international level.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is actively supporting Azerbaijan in implementing climate initiatives within the agricultural sector, said Viorel Gutu, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, during his speech at Baku Climate Action Week, Azernews reports.

He praised Azerbaijan’s leadership in climate action, particularly in agriculture and food security, and associated Baku with the success of COP29, one of the most impactful climate summits in recent years. Gutu highlighted the launch of the ‘Baku Harmony Climate Initiative for Farmers’-a joint effort between COP29 and FAO-as a major step in engaging farmers and rural communities in climate resilience.

This initiative has become a flagship program under the FAST Partnership (Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation), aimed at expanding climate finance for food and agriculture systems.

FAO is also working closely with Azerbaijan to modernize agricultural value chains, enhance digitalization, strengthen laboratories and certification systems, and pilot farm-level monitoring tools to track sustainability.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, FAO is also implementing projects focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, combating land degradation, and responsible pesticide use.

Agriculture is among the sectors most severely impacted by climate change. That’s why, alongside water, transport, and urban development, it stands as a central focus of today’s discussions. These sectors are essential pillars for Azerbaijani society and the national economy, and ensuring their sustainability while reducing their environmental footprint is critical.

Azernews reports that these remarks were made by Mukhtar Babayev, President of COP29 and Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Issues, during the opening session of Day 3 of Baku Climate Action Week.

Babayev noted that this morning’s session is dedicated to agriculture and food security, both of which were listed as key priorities in the COP29 Presidency’s Action Agenda last year.

‘As the host country, we are committed to sharing our experience and further strengthening efforts in this direction,’ Babayev said. ‘Severe water scarcity continues to affect our agricultural communities. That is why we introduced the ‘Water for Climate Declaration’ as part of the COP29 Presidential Initiatives. More than 60 countries have already committed to strengthening partnerships, advancing research, and raising the profile of water-related climate issues.’

He also highlighted the establishment of the Baku Water and Climate Dialogue, an initiative aimed at enhancing international cooperation, improving climate governance, and promoting joint management of trans-boundary water basins.

‘Just as rivers do not recognize borders, our responsibility for water must also transcend them,’ Babayev stressed. ‘Unfortunately, the sharp decline in water availability observed in our region has become one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. This is driven not only by climate change, but also by mounting pressures on fragile ecosystems. If we fail to act in time, the consequences could be catastrophic.’

Babayev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s readiness to closely collaborate with the United Nations in this area. He also acknowledged the existence of multiple programs supporting agriculture and rural communities but noted the real challenge lies in ensuring farmers can access these opportunities.

‘That’s why, within the COP29 framework, we officially launched the ‘Baku Harmony Climate Initiative for Farmers’ – a platform aimed at enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate change by expanding access to support mechanisms,’ he said. ‘This initiative will help farmers more easily reach the resources they need, while also helping policymakers identify and address funding gaps.’

In conclusion, Babayev emphasized the importance of turning international climate commitments into meaningful action at the national level:

‘Dear friends and colleagues, today we are presented with new opportunities to translate international agreements within the COP process into real results at home. I look forward to discussing with you how we can make this happen more effectively.’

Investigations are being conducted both in Azerbaijan and Russia regarding the crime committed against Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg, Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev told journalists, Azernews reports.

He noted that a separate inquiry is underway specifically concerning use of force and torture in the case.

“I believe this investigation will also reach a logical conclusion,” Aliyev added.

If you want, I can also suggest 3-5 concise headline options for this news item in English. Do you want me to do that?

On June 27, 2025, two Azerbaijanis, Hseyn and Ziyaddin Safarov, were killed during a raid by Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) forces in Yekaterinburg. The operation targeted residences reportedly linked to Azerbaijani citizens. The victims were brothers of journalist Seyfaddin Huseynli. Their deaths sparked outrage in Azerbaijan, prompting the Foreign Ministry to summon Russia’s chargé d’affaires for clarification. The bodies were returned to Azerbaijan and buried in Aghjabadi.

Sahil Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Finance, has met with Algeria’s ambassador to the country, Zakia Ighil, to discuss the development of bilateral ties, Azernews reports.

The sides hailed the successful progress of relations between Azerbaijan and Algeria in political, economic, energy, and other areas, while also exploring new prospects for strengthening cooperation.

Minister Babayev emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration in the energy sector, supporting mutual investment initiatives, and boosting trade exchanges between the two nations.

Expressing appreciation for the warm reception, Ambassador Ighil noted that she would make every effort to further expand relations during her tenure in Azerbaijan.

Concluding the meeting, Minister Babayev wished the ambassador success in her diplomatic activity.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev shared a post on his social media accounts congratulating the Qarabag football club on their latest victory.

Azernews presents the post: ‘I wholeheartedly congratulate the Qarabag football club and the entire Azerbaijani football community on their confident victory over the Danish champion, Copenhagen football club.

Qarabag continues to make our nation proud by securing two brilliant wins in two matches in the league phase of the world’s strongest club tournament, sharing the top positions with the giants of international football.’

The Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation, led by the Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova, has departed for a working visit to Cape Town, South Africa, on September 30, Azernews reports.

The delegation was welcomed at Cape Town International Airport by the Chairman of the Public Oversight Committee of the Parliament of South Africa, Cedric Thomas Frolik, the Chargé d’Affaires of Azerbaijan in South Africa, Huseyn Rahimli, and other officials.

During the visit, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova will take part in the 11th Summit of the Speakers of Parliaments of the “Big Twenty” (P20). She is scheduled to deliver a speech at the summit and hold bilateral meetings with the heads of participating parliamentary delegations.

Azerbaijan has expressed gratitude to Great Britain for its consistent support in the ongoing normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to London Elin Suleymanov shared this on her social media account following her meeting with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and the UK’s Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty during a conference in Liverpool.