Georgia faces increasing international scrutiny following a joint call from 24 OSCE member states. On March 13, 2026, these states urged the Georgian government to fully implement recommendations stemming from the ‘Moscow Mechanism.’ The core concern, highlighted by the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), is a significant decline in Georgia’s democratic…
Georgia 12.03.2026 OSCE Moscow Mechanism report warns of worsening human rights situation in Georgia Tbilisi The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has published a report under the Moscow Mechanism, indicating a deterioration in human rights and fundamental freedoms within Georgia. This nearly 217-page report, detailing developments from early 2024 to the…
Armenia faces a serious concern regarding potential foreign interference in its upcoming parliamentary elections. A statement from Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has ignited debate, alleging attempts to pressure Armenian citizens and those of Armenian origin living abroad to vote in a specific manner. The SVR claims that individuals are being urged to travel to…
Georgia’s government has opted for a higher tariff instead of a ban on importing older vehicles, sparking debate about its impact. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the customs clearance tariff for cars exceeding six years will significantly increase. The decision, framed as an environmental measure, aims to improve air quality. However, experts believe this…
The European Parliament adopted a resolution concerning the situation in Georgia, securing 438 votes to 37. The resolution, titled “The case of Elene Khoshtaria and the political prisoners under the Georgian Dream regime,” strongly condemns the systematic persecution of political opponents, journalists, and activists by the Georgian government. It demands the immediate release of opposition…
The commander of Turkey’s Land Forces, Metin Tokel, recently visited the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, signaling Turkey’s readiness to offer military support to Azerbaijan. He stated that Turkey would provide assistance aligned with the Shusha Declaration, a mutual defense agreement established in June 2021 between turkey and azerbaijan. This visit, occurring amidst heightened regional tensions due…
The Moscow Western District Military Court has handed down life sentences to 15 individuals involved in the devastating terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in the Moscow region. This occurred on 22 March 2024, resulting in the tragic deaths of 150 people, including six children, and injuries to over 600. Among those…
The ongoing war in Iran is generating both optimism and apprehension among Azerbaijanis. I recall a childhood song, ‘Ayrilig’ (‘Separation’), referencing the Kudaferin bridges across the river Araz, symbolizing the division of Azerbaijan. This song became a prevalent motto during the late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly after the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, but faded into…
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the “biggest problem” for Armenia’s path to EU integration is the “frozen state of political dialogue between the EU and Georgia.” He made this assertion during a speech at the European Parliament in March 2026. Pashinyan referenced the Armenian Parliament’s March 2025 law initiating Armenia’s accession to the EU,…
Fatima Movlamli, a detained Azerbaijani journalist, concluded her hunger strike on Tuesday following a change in regulations by Elnur Ismailov, the director of the Baku Pretrial Detention Centre. Ismailov reportedly rescinded a new policy requiring all meetings to occur through a protective glass partition. Movlamli was initially arrested in February 2025 as part of a…