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The opera “Leyli and Majnun”, composed by the founder of Azerbaijani professional music and prominent composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, was presented at the Heydar Aliyev Palace by the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, in celebration of his 140th anniversary, Azernews reports.

This performance was not only a tribute to the composer ‘s anniversary but also a celebration of the rich traditions of Azerbaijani musical culture.

“Leyli and Majnun”, regarded as Hajibayli’s masterpiece, was first staged in 1908 and is considered the first opera in the East.

In the performance, the lead roles of Leyli and Majnun were portrayed by Ravana Amiraslanli and Mirali Sarizade, respectively.

The roles of Leyli’s father and mother were performed by Taleh Yahyayev and Aytan Maharramova, while Mutallim Damirov and Afag Aghayeva played Majnun’s parents. Other roles were played by Fuad Azizzade (Ibn Salam), Jahangir Gurbanov (Nofel), Nazar Baylarov (Zeid), and Parviz Verdiyev (Sheikh).

In the ballet sections, the role of Leyli was danced by Maryam Shabakayeva, Majnun by Rust?m Hajiyev, and the child roles of Leyli and Majnun were performed by Lal?zar Ibrahimli and Adil Alizade, respectively.

The conductor of the performance was Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev, the stage director was Nijat Kazimov, the set designer was Honored Cultural Worker Tehran Babayev, the costume designer was Leyla Aliyeva, the choirmaster was Honored Art Worker Sevil Hajiyeva, and the choreographer was Honored Artist Yuriy Lobachev.

Honored Artist Elkhan Mansurov accompanied the performance on the solo cello, and Honored Artist Elnur Ahmadov played the kamancha.

The Afghanistan-Pakistan border has erupted into violent clashes over the past several days, marking a dangerous escalation in regional tensions. According to reports from both sides, casualties have already mounted. Pakistani officials claim that nearly 200 Afghan fighters were killed in retaliatory strikes, while the Taliban-led Afghan government asserts that 58 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives in the conflict.

This flare-up comes at a time when global attention is already strained by ongoing crises, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the recent ceasefire between Israel and Palestine. The emergence of a new conflict in South Asia has sparked alarm across the international community, particularly given Pakistan’s status as a nuclear-armed state.

The border, which spans over 2,600 kilometers, has been closed following the exchange of fire, halting trade and civilian movement. Analysts warn that this could trigger a humanitarian crisis in the region, especially for communities dependent on cross-border access.

With tensions running high and diplomatic channels strained, international organizations and neighboring countries are urging both sides to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolution. The prospect of a broader conflict looms large, threatening to destabilize an already volatile region.

Speaking to Azernews, political analyst Imran Khalid, who is in Pakistan now – emphasized that the clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan erupted over the weekend, stemming from long-simmering tensions along the Durand Line, the disputed border that has divided Pashtun communities for over a century. What started as isolated skirmishes escalated into heavy fighting when Afghan forces reportedly attacked Pakistani border posts in the Torkham and Spin Boldak areas.

‘Pakistan responded with artillery, airstrikes, and ground operations, capturing at least 19 Afghan positions according to local reports. The trigger appears to be Pakistan’s frustration with Kabul’s alleged support for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has launched deadly attacks inside Pakistan from Afghan soil. Islamabad has long accused the Taliban regime of providing safe havens to TTP fighters, allowing them to orchestrate cross-border terrorism that has killed Pakistani soldiers and civilians. This isn’t new; the TTP’s resurgence since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover has turned the border into a powder keg,’ Imran Khalid said.

The political analyst detailed that the Afghan government’s overconfidence played a big role in this flare-up. Their foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, spent eight days in India starting October 9, marking the first high-level Taliban visit to New Delhi since Kabul fell.

‘During that trip, Muttaqi met with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and issued a joint statement that irked Pakistan, including references to Kashmir that Islamabad saw as meddling. Bolstered by Indian diplomatic overtures and potential economic ties, the Taliban seemed emboldened, perhaps miscalculating that such backing would deter Pakistani retaliation. India has been engaging Kabul quietly, maintaining a technical mission there, but this visit felt like a green light for Afghan assertiveness. The timing is no coincidence – the clashes intensified right as Muttaqi wrapped up his tour, suggesting Kabul thought it could push boundaries without consequence,’ he said.

Imran Khalid added that Pakistan’s response has been swift and decisive, practically bulldozing Afghan checkpoints in retaliatory strikes. He noted that Pakistani forces used jets and tanks to overrun Taliban positions, claiming over 200 Afghan fighters killed while suffering 23 losses themselves. Afghanistan countered by saying it killed 58 Pakistani troops, but the asymmetry is clear: Kabul’s forces, despite their bravado, are no match for Pakistan’s conventional military edge in airpower, artillery, and logistics. The border crossings are now sealed, halting trade and stranding thousands, which hurts Afghanistan’s fragile economy far more than Pakistan’s.

‘As for whether these clashes will end soon or spiral into full-scale war, I doubt we’ll see a prolonged conflict, but a quick resolution seems unlikely without major concessions from Kabul. Muttaqi, fresh from India, is now calling for negotiations and a ceasefire in public briefings, urging de-escalation to avoid broader fallout. Even U.S. President Trump, en route to a Middle East summit, has offered to mediate, boasting about his track record in solving wars. But from Islamabad’s perspective, talks are pointless until Afghanistan stops harboring TTP elements and expels them. Pakistan has conducted airstrikes targeting TTP leaders like Noor Wali Mehsud in Afghan provinces such as Paktika and Khost, underscoring that counter-terrorism is non-negotiable. Iran has voiced concerns too, stepping in to urge restraint amid fears of regional instability.

If Kabul continues to play host to militants while courting external support, these skirmishes could drag on, eroding trust further. Yet a full war benefits no one-Pakistan holds the upper hand militarily, and Afghanistan can’t afford another front. The ball is in Kabul’s court: expel the TTP, and we might see borders reopen. Until then, expect more tension, not peace,’ Imran Khalid concluded.

As previously reported, President Ilham Aliyev arrived at the International Congress Center in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to participate in the summit on peace in the Middle East, Azernews reports.

Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev, posted on his X page a publication dedicated to the summit on peace in the Middle East.

”President Ilham Aliyev attends the Middle East Peace Summit in Sharm El Sheikh. It is a reflection of Azerbaijan’s growing regional role and its Global foreign policy as a middle power. Azerbaijan is a desirable partner for all parties for the regional peace agenda in the Middle East,” the post reads.

Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) is making significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint through the use of clean energy and sustainable practices, Azernews reports, citing the company.

Solar panels installed at ADY facilities have played a key role in this effort. In 2021, 307 panels were installed at the newly opened Bilajari locomotive depot, and an additional 350 panels were added at the Ganja depot in 2022.

According to ADY, these solar systems generated 90,000 kilowatt-hours of green electricity in 2024 alone, helping the company save over 8,000 cubic meters of natural gas and prevent the emission of approximately 20,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Beyond renewable energy, ADY is also advancing broader environmental initiatives. The company recycles paper waste, treats and reuses industrial water, and regularly organizes tree-planting and community clean-up campaigns. During construction projects, ADY ensures the protection of local flora and fauna in accordance with environmental regulations and standards.

These actions reflect ADY’s growing commitment to sustainability as it modernizes operations and aligns with global environmental goals.

The open court hearing in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia – Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan and others – who are accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including planning and waging an aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, its forcible retention and numerous other crimes, continued on October 13.

Azernews reports that at the hearing of the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev with judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev sitting (reserve judge Gunel Samedova), each of the defendants was provided with an interpreter in the language they understand as well as defense counsel.

Present at the hearing were the accused persons, their defenders, some of the injured parties, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as the prosecutors representing the state prosecution.

The hearing continued with the announcement of documents.

One of the documents states that while the self-styled entity existed, a weekly military program titled ‘Qoyamart’ (translated into Azerbaijani as ‘fight to live’) was aired in the media.

Episodes of that program were monitored and analyzed, and records were kept of the activities of senior officers serving there in terms of promoting the occupation of the sovereign territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan and increasing the combat readiness of Armenian armed forces located in Azerbaijan’s formerly occupied territories. One such officer is Major General David Manukyan, who holds a high military rank and is currently an accused. Based on the ‘Qoyamart’ military program episode broadcast on May 16, 2020, ‘exemplary exercises’ were held in the divisions of the largest armed formation of the Armenian armed forces in Azerbaijan’s formerly occupied territories on the topics of ‘methods and forms of firing from small arms in defense battles’ and ‘usage of grenade launcher squads in defense battles.’ The exercises were led by the armed formation’s commander, Lieutenant General Jalal Arutyunyan, and his first deputy, Major General David Manukyan, who gave the ‘necessary instructions.’

One of the announced documents related to the creation and activities of the ‘Krunq’ organization.

Subsequent documents concerned the establishment and formation of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Armenia. It was reported that by the decision of the Government of Armenia dated January 28, 1992, the Special Defense Committee under the Council of Ministers was liquidated and all its property was transferred to the newly created Ministry of Defense. Vazgen Sargsyan was appointed Minister of Defense.

Thereafter, a number of classified documents belonging to the Armenian armed forces were announced. Photographs of each of those documents were also shown in court.

The documents prove that various military tasks were assigned to different structures of the Armenian armed forces, as well as to the self-styled entity’s ‘army’ (the largest armed formation of the Armenian armed forces – ed.), for execution in the territories of Azerbaijan that were formerly under occupation.

For example, from Secret Order No. 0119 – a combat task – dated 04.05.2016 of the Chief of the General Staff of the armed forces of the Republic of Armenia, Colonel-General Yuri Khachaturov, it is evident that the ‘commander of the army’ of the self-styled entity was ordered to arrange anti-tank ditches and the soil layers of ditch approaches in the ‘6th defense sector’ and use them as intermediate trenches and defensive lines; to obligatorily link and integrate the anti-tank ditches and approaches of the ‘9th defense sector’; and to camouflage the assets in combat formations.

At the hearing, a joint secret order – a combat task – No. 016 dated 24.12.2016, compiled in Yerevan by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian armed forces, Lieutenant General Movses Akopyan, and the head of the Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the armed forces, Colonel V. Sargsyan, was also disclosed and its photograph shown.

The secret document shows that to survey the area in the north-eastern direction of the self-styled entity’s ‘army’ and to select positions for radio-electronic reconnaissance (RER) units, from January 10-14, 2017, a working group of the 24th Special Purpose Separate Radio-Technical Regiment was to be organized to make a trip along the Yerevan-Khankendi-Agdere-Sukhovushan-Khankendi-Yerevan route; oversight for execution of that order was entrusted to the head of the Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Armenian armed forces.

Also disclosed and displayed at the hearing was Secret Order No. 0261 dated 24.09.2019, compiled in Yerevan by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian armed forces, Lieutenant General A. Davtyan.

The document shows that the head of armaments of the Armenian armed forces was ordered to provide 46 sets of 120 mm M-75 (M-74) mortars replacement equipment with 20 sets of 82 mm M-69 and 26 sets of 82 mm BM-37 mortars to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 7th ‘defense sectors’ of the self-styled entity’s ‘army.’

The same document ordered the ‘army commander’ of the self-styled entity to take delivery of the specified weapons and ammunition and arrange their distribution to those ‘defense sectors,’ and to report on the completion of these tasks to the Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian armed forces within five days.

The secret Order No. 0671 dated 25.09.2020 of the ‘first deputy commander – chief of staff’ of the self-styled entity’s ‘army,’ Major General Kamo Vardanyan, titled ‘On the destruction by fire of the enemy’s populated areas,’ was also disclosed. The order shows that by September 28, 2020, the commanders of units and military formations in Khankendi were to target the populated areas attached to the order for fire engagement, calculate firing positions and include them in combat application documents, refine combat calculations, prepare one BM-21 system (YARS) unit for firing with 40 km-range G-2000 rockets in artillery units and keep 40 of the 80 rockets intended for it permanently in the combat vehicle’s transport-loading vehicle, with the remaining 40 to be loaded onto the combat vehicle before it is deployed in combat formation, and equip the BM-21 YARS with replacement devices.

The list of populated areas designated as fire-destruction targets attached to the order includes Azerbaijan’s cities of Mingachevir and Naftalan, and the districts of Tartar, Yevlakh, Beylagan, Aghjabadi and others, as well as a number of towns and villages.

Based on the announced documents, directives were also presented for the destruction by Armenian armed forces of civilian-populated localities in Azerbaijan that were not under occupation prior to the Patriotic War; precise coordinates of the populated localities to be destroyed and the types of rockets to be used were provided.

It was reported that the coordinates indicated in that document as targets were checked by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan and were confirmed to correspond to settlements of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The court proceedings will continue on October 16.

It should be noted that 15 accused persons are charged in the criminal case concerning numerous criminal acts committed in the course of the aggressive war carried out by the Armenian state, including through the direct leadership and participation of its state bodies and officials, its armed forces and illegal armed formations, the orders, instructions and directives given orally and in writing, the material, technical and personnel support provided, centralized management and tight control – and also involving Robert Kocharian Sedrak, Serzh Sargsyan Azat, Vazgen Manukyan Mikael, Vazgen Sargsyan Zaven, Samvel Babayan Andranik, Vitaly Balasanyan Mikael, Zori Balayan Haik, Seyran Ohanyan Musheghi, Arshavir Gharamyan Surenovich, Monte Melkonyan Charles and others – who were created in violation of domestic and international legal norms to carry out military aggression against Azerbaijan.

Those persons – Harutyunyan Arayik Vladimiri, Gukasyan Arkadi Arshaviri, Sahakyan Bako Sahaki, Ishkhanyan Davit Rubeni, Manukyan David Azatini, Babayan David Klimi, Mnatsakanyan Levon Henrikovich, Beglaryan Vasili Ivani, Ghazaryan Erik Roberti, Allahverdyan Davit Nelsoni, Stepanyan Gurgen Homeri, Balayan Levon Romiki, Babayan Madat Arakelovich, Martirosyan Garik Grigori, Pashayan Melikset Vladimiri – are charged under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan with Articles 100 (planning, preparation, initiation and waging of an aggressive war), 102 (attacks on persons or organizations enjoying international protection), 103 (genocide), 105 (extermination of the population), 106 (enslavement), 107 (deportation or forcible transfer of population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114 (mercenarism), 115 (violation of the laws and customs of war), 116 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 118 (military pillage), 120 (intentional homicide), 192 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218 (creation of a criminal organization), 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, carriage or carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosive materials and devices), 270-1 (acts endangering aviation security), 277 (attempt on the life of a state or public figure), 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional order of the state), 279 (creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law), and other articles.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev paid a working visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt at the invitation of President of the United States Donald Trump and President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to participate in the Middle East Peace Summit.

Azernews reports that on October 13, President Ilham Aliyev arrived at the International Congress Center in Sharm el-Sheikh, where the summit was held.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed President Ilham Aliyev, and they posed for photographs together.

Later, President of the United States Donald Trump greeted the Azerbaijani head of state, and the two leaders also posed for photographs.

The participants of the Middle East Peace Summit then gathered for a family photo.

During the summit, President Donald Trump recalled the Washington meeting between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, saying: ‘Here he is; I just solved the war for this man. Azerbaijan, did you like my job? Where is your counterpart? Here he is. You guys are still getting along, right? They fought for 32 years, and in about one hour we settled, right? And they like each other now. Well, I think this is great.’

x x x

Following the summit, the signing ceremony of the peace agreement took place.

Azerbaijan National Art Museum will host a lecture titled “Diego Rivera: The Promise of a Better Future” on October 15, Azernews reports.

During the lecture, director of the Anahuacalli Museum, María Teresa Moya Malfavón, will provide detailed information about the “Diego Rivera: The Promise of a Better Future” exhibition, which was held at the Azerbaijan National Art Museum as the first major international project led by her museum.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the world-renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera, who was known for his strong social stance.

The lecture will explore Rivera’s famous mural paintings created for various buildings in Mexico and abroad, which reflect the spirit of the people, the working class, and ideals of social justice.

Attendees will also gain insights into Rivera’s artistic philosophy, his vision for the future, and the social messages conveyed through his works.

The event starts at 16:00.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.

This year, the 24th World Karting Championship (World Grand Final) races have been held at the “International South Garda” track in Lonato, Italy, Azernews reports.

The races were organized in five categories, with the track length being 1200 meters. Since 2001, the tournament has been considered one of the most prestigious events in the world of karting.

The competition featured 607 drivers from various countries, including European and world champions. Among the participants was Davin Jafarov, a young talent representing Azerbaijan motorsport, who was one of three drivers from Portugal. He participated for the first time in the BMB category and in the World Championship as a member of the BirelArt Portugal team.

Due to a minor accident in the qualifying round, Davin had to start from 32nd place, but he showcased an impressive performance, advancing to the semifinals and finals. In the final, he overtook 24 drivers, breaking the previous record of 14 overtakes set by Italian driver Lorenzo Pinyanelli, and also recorded the fastest lap of the race.

This achievement drew significant attention from commentators and fellow competitors. After the race, several international team managers and drivers approached the BirelArt Portugal tent to meet Davin and wish him success in his future career. Among them was the management of AW Racing, a team based in Milan, Italy, who offered him a spot on their team. However, the young driver preferred to continue competing with BirelArt for the time being.

Reflecting on his performance in the World Championship, Davin shared: “This was my first time competing at this level, on this track, and in the BMB category. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to come here earlier for practice sessions. The World Championship had 607 participants in 5 categories. The race was very intense, but I managed to advance to the semifinals. However, we had a small incident and some chassis issues, which meant I had to start from 32nd place. Despite that, I overtook 24 drivers and finished 8th overall. Starting from so far behind on this track and achieving this result was really tough, so this is a huge accomplishment for me and my team. Many other drivers and team managers came to our tent to meet and talk with me. They were surprised to see an Azerbaijani driver perform at this level in international karting for the first time. There were also world and European champions in the competition, and the weather made the race even more difficult. It was an incredible honor and experience to represent my country and show how strong we are. I’m doing my best to prove that Azerbaijan can reach the top in motorsport on the world stage, and the support I get from my fellow countrymen motivates me even more.”

Note that Davin Jafarov is expected to participate in two more international races before the end of the year.

The trilateral meeting between Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia in Baku is being held as part of ongoing consultations and coordination efforts in the regional framework, Azernews reports.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated during a press conference in Tehran that the discussions are focused on several key areas, including economic and trade cooperation.

Baghaei emphasized that the meeting demonstrates Iran and its neighboring countries’ commitment to strengthening regional stability through coordination and dialogue.

It should be noted that the trilateral meeting in Baku today is addressing the North-South International Transport Corridor, as well as issues related to energy, customs, and trade cooperation.