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Items 1 - 50 of 113
Azerbaijan
| 1 May 2013
Opposition Azerbaijani Popular Front Party activist arrested and sentenced to 10 days’ jail for taking part in unapproved anti-govt protest in Baku. FM Mammadyarov visited Israel in latest sign of closer relations between secular Shiite Baku and Tel Aviv.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Apr 2013
Police 10 March again violently dispersed several hundred demonstrators in Baku protesting deaths and alleged abuse of conscripts in military, in latest of series of unsanctioned protests on issue; 2 more conscripts died during month. Police detained several activists, charged 3 with drugs, weapons possession. Leader of opposition Musavat party beaten up by unknown assailants 14 March.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Mar 2013
President Aliyev responded to Jan spontaneous unrest in Baku and Ismayili by removing region’s governor and warning local officials and their children against “obnoxious behaviour”; opposition leader Ilgar Mammadov and journalist Tofiq Yaqublu arrested and charged with organising Ismayili unrest, several others also detained. Prominent writer Akram Ailisli came under attack over novella Stone Dreams about ongoing war with Armenia, with officially-promoted burnings of his books in Baku. President Aliyev signed decree stripping Ailisli of honours, pension; wife and son fired from jobs.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Feb 2013
Thousands protested in central town Ismayili 23, 24 Jan demanding resignation of local governor Nizami Alekberov and setting fire to cars, buildings; dozens arrested. Hundreds rallied in Baku 26 Jan in solidarity with Ismayili protesters; dozens of protesters arrested. Hundreds protested in Baku 12 Jan calling for resignation of defence minister over allegations of hazing and bullying in military following 7 Jan death of army conscript; 21 men fined for participating in demonstration under new law on mass gatherings. Around 1,000 shopkeepers protesting against rent increases clashed with police in Baku 19 Jan.
Azerbaijan
| 30 Dec 2012
After almost a year of negotiations, Azerbaijan and Russia 9 Dec allowed agreement on Gabala radar station, last Russian base in country, to lapse; Russia to withdraw its almost 1,000-strong contingent within a year, expected to relocate radar and missile shield to N Caucasus. Govt 26 Dec pardoned 2 jailed journalists, 1 blogger, several rights and opposition activists. Police forcibly dispersed dozens of opposition activists attending unsanctioned rally in Baku 10 Dec. Court 3 Dec found 4 men guilty of terrorism, high treason, for plotting bomb attacks ahead of Eurovision Song Contest and links with Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Dec 2012
Chechen president Kadyrov met with President Aliyev and PM Rasizade during official visit to Baku aimed at attracting Azeri investment in Chechnya; also met with head of Muslim Administration of the Caucasus, discussed rise of religious extremism, suggesting possible future cooperation between Azerbaijan and Chechnya in fight against terrorism. Amid increasing concern over oppression of minorities and opposition, parliament adopted amendments to law on public gatherings increasing fines for unsanctioned demonstrations. Around 100 opposition activists protested in Baku 17 Nov. 4 suspects accused of planning terrorist attacks went on trial; accused of cooperating with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. As Baku hosted UN-sponsored Internet Governance Forum, visiting OSCE representative on freedom of media criticised govt crackdown on press freedom.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Nov 2012
Court 9 Oct jailed 22 people convicted of plotting to kill foreign citizens, organising attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets; follows late Sept sentencing of 3 men for plotting to kill teachers at Jewish school. Suspects accused of links with Iranian special services. Following recent escalation in tensions with Iran, apparent rapprochement with 16 Oct meeting between President Aliyev and Iran’s President Ahmadinejad. Around 200 protesters clashed with police 5 Oct during demonstration against hijab ban in schools. Officials accused “external groups” of organising disturbances, but local Shiite group reportedly claimed responsibility. Late Sept arrest of activist Zaur Qurbanli criticised by rights activists.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Oct 2012
Fallout continued from President Aliyev’s 31 Aug pardon of Ramil Safarov, convicted of murdering Armenian soldier during NATO training in Budapest in 2004, following his extradition from Hungary. In addition to pardon, Safarov promoted from lieutenant to major, awarded back pay and free apartment. Pardon heightened tensions with Armenia (see Nagorno-Karabakh) and provoked strong international condemnation including EU, U.S., NATO, UNHCHR. Iran released 2 Azerbaijani poets arrested in May for alleged espionage.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Sep 2012
Muasir Musavat party leader Gadjiyev mid-month accused Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (AHCP) Chairman Kerimli of poisoning former Azerbaijani President Elchibey; Prosecutor General’s office opened investigation into “attempted murder”. Journalist 23 Aug found guilty of inciting March 2011 riots on Facebook, illegally crossing border; sentenced to 4.5 years jail. President Aliyev 31 Aug pardoned soldier convicted in Hungary of 2004 killing of Armenian army officer sparking diplomatic row.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Aug 2012
Authorities 4 July charged ethnic Talysh newspaper editor Gilal Mamedov with treason for allegedly collaborating with Iranian intelligence. European Council President Van Rompuy 5 July met President Aliyev, called for improvement in civil, political rights. Former President Mutalibov 9 July returned to country following 2-decade exile in Russia.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Jul 2012
Month saw escalating clashes with Armenia. Tensions with Turkmenistan increased over Kapaz/Serdar oil field in Caspian Sea (see Turkmenistan). Police 12 June broke up opposition rally in Baku against legal amendments limiting access to information on govt financial and economic activities, arrested Republican Alternative (REAL) alliance co-chairman Ilgar Mammadov, activists. Parliament same day granted President Aliyev, wife immunity from criminal prosecution for acts committed in office. Pro-democracy blogger detained 13-14 June in Baku, charged with assaulting police during May opposition rally. President Aliyev 22 June pardoned 66 prisoners, including opposition Musavat party head Arif Hajili and 8 rights activists detained after participating in April 2011 opposition rallies.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Jun 2012
Police in Baku throughout month broke-up unsanctioned opposition rallies demanding greater freedoms, protesting country’s poor human rights record. Court 16 May released prominent opposition activist Elnur Mecidli, arrested following April protest.
Azerbaijan
| 1 May 2012
At least 1 officer, 1 militant killed 6 April in security forces operation against suspected Islamic militants in Ganja. Authorities 7 April began mass arrest of suspected radical Islamists. Ministry of National Security 18 April announced large scale special operations conducted in Baku, Sumgayit, northern border regions; Vugar Padarov, leader of al-Qaeda linked group, reportedly killed, 19 others arrested across country. Officials 25 April announced joint Azeri-Russian operations targeting suspected terrorists, organised crime. Several hundred opposition supporters 8, 22 April protested in Baku demanding reforms, freedom for political prisoners, resignation of President Aliyev. Prominent journalist Idrak Abbasov 18 April severely beaten by oil company workers while covering house demolition in long-running land dispute with residents in Sulutepe. Israeli Foreign Minister Lieberman 23-24 April visited Baku, discussed bilateral cooperation.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Apr 2012
Defence Minister Abiyev 12-13 March visited Tehran, said Azerbaijan would not be used in attack on Iran. Govt 29 March denied reports indicating Israeli access to Azeri airbases. Authorities 14 March announced arrest of 22 Azeris for plotting attacks against U.S., Israeli embassies in Baku, allegedly linked to Iranian Revolutionary Guards. 1,000 residents 1 March rioted in Quba, NE, after district governor characterised city as full of “traitors” for selling land cheaply; governor sacked 2 March. 3 activists beaten, detained by security forces 17 March after criticising President Aliyev during opposition rally in Baku.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Mar 2012
Further accusations between Azerbaijan and Iran; Iranian arrested 17 Feb, accused of drug possession. Followed accusation by Tehran that Baku harbouring Israeli intelligence agent accused of killing 3 Iranian nuclear scientists. National Security Ministry 22 Feb announced arrest of alleged terrorist group working for Iran, suspected of planning attacks against foreign citizens; some 20 people arrested so far in 2012 on charges of terrorism, arms and drug possession. Israeli media 26 Feb reported $1.4 billion Israeli arms sale to Azerbaijan, despite Iranian warning.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Feb 2012
5 extra-parliamentary opposition parties 12 Jan launched alliance Resistance Movement for a Democratic Society; aims include reforming election legislation. National Security Ministry 19 Jan announced had uncovered terror group plotting to assassinate public figures, detained 2 suspects. Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly special rapporteur on political prisoners in Azerbaijan voiced concerns over country’s refusal to grant him visa. Tensions with Iran continued amid reports of cyberhacking between countries. 2 men reportedly arrested in connection with alleged plot to kill Israeli ambassador.
Azerbaijan
| 2 Jan 2012
OSCE expressed concerns over amendments to law on political parties, including registration procedure, requirements for state funding, disclosure of funding sources.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Dec 2011
Parliament 15 Nov passed amendments to criminal and administrative codes increasing state controls on religious activity, including on distribution of unsanctioned religious literature, “forced” religious activity, religious rituals. Amnesty International 16 Nov called for international community pressure on govt over crackdown on activists, opposition figures. Police arrested 5 activists in small protest 15 Nov. Prominent journalist Rafiq Tagi stabbed by unknown attacker 19 Nov, died of injuries.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Nov 2011
3 opposition activists jailed 3 Oct for 2.5 years for role in April anti-govt protest, fourth given suspended sentence; 4 more activists jailed 10 Oct for up to 3 years. Sentences prompted protests, international condemnation. Head of Islamic Party of Azerbaijan (AIP) Movsum Samadov jailed for 12 years 7 Oct, convicted of trying to overthrow govt; several other AIP members also sentenced. Interior Minister Ramil Usubov attended Commonwealth of Independent States meeting in rare visit to Armenia. Azerbaijan and Turkey 25 Oct signed agreement on transit of Azerbaijani natural gas to Europe.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Oct 2011
Lawyer defending 4 opposition activists jailed in Aug for involvement in April anti-govt protests disbarred 16 Sept for breaking “ethics rules for lawyers”. Senior Council of Europe official criticised Azerbaijan’s human rights record.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Sep 2011
Islamic Party of Azerbaijan (AIP) leader Movsum Samedov and 6 party activists on trial 4 Aug charged with calling for overthrow of govt. Charges rejected by activists, who claim political persecution. AIP Deputy chair Arif Ganiev, member Abgul Suleymanov, and editor of Islamic news website Ramin Bayramov detained 11 Aug, charged with illegal possession of weapons, drugs, suspected of “hostile activity against Azerbaijan”. Amid tense diplomatic relations with Iran, National Security Ministry said Suleymanov created radical Islamic group financed by Baku-based Cultural Center of Iran. Foreign Ministry 11 Aug formally protested alleged anti-Azerbaijani statements by Iranian official; Iranian Embassy in Baku 11 Aug called reports “media misunderstanding”. 6 opposition party activists sentenced 25 Aug to up to 3 years jail for involvement in April anti-govt protests.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Aug 2011
4 July armed clash between Azerbaijani and Iranian border guards, apparently result of accidental crossing into Iranian territory, left Azerbaijani guard dead. Several senior members of banned Islamic Party of Azerbaijan (AIP), including Chair Movsum Samadov, went on trial on terrorism-related charges; party activists argue Samadov actually detained over speech criticising ban on head scarves in schools. Authorities denied request from AIP to stage rally 5 July. 6 opposition activists went on trial 13 July over April anti-govt protest in Baku; another opposition activist sentenced 22 July to 2 years jail for illegal possession of weapons. 29th session of Caspian Working Group met in Moscow.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Jul 2011
Country held large military parade 26 June, as President Aliyev pledged to increase military spending, win control of disputed Nagorno Karabakh territory (see N-K).
Azerbaijan
| 1 Jun 2011
European Parliament 12 May condemned recent crackdowns on opposition protests, expressed “deep concern” over attacks on civil society, journalists; criticized govt for arrests since March of up to 200 opposition protesters, imprisonment of opposition members and threats to close down NGOs, called for immediate release of prominent opposition figures, newspaper editor Eynulla Fatullayev. Ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) rejected EP report as distorted and biased; Fatullayev released 26 May under presidential pardon for dozens of prisoners. Court 2 May charged Vidadi Isgandarli, rights activist and former parliamentary candidate, with election violations. Opposition activist who advocated anti-govt protests via Facebook imprisoned for 2.5 years for alleged drug possession. Baku police 6 May clashed with protesters demonstrating against 2010 ban on hijab in schools.
Azerbaijan
| 1 May 2011
Rights groups, U.S. embassyvoiced concerns over govt crackdown on activists ahead of unsanctioned 2 Apranti-govt rally organised by opposition movement Public Chamber, with over 20reportedly arrested. Security services forcibly dispersed anti-govt protesters2 Apr, arrested dozens; opposition claimed over 5,000 attended rally. Police 17Apr suppressed second, unauthorised rally; dozens reportedly detained,including 3 Swedish journalists later deported. Foreign diplomats held meetingwith opposition members in Baku8 Apr, prompting criticism by pro-govt MPs, call for probe into foreigndiplomats’ activities. Defence Ministry 20 Apr announced indefinitepostponement of joint military exercises with U.S.; observers suspect link toBaku’s grievances over Nagorno-Karabakh, U.S. criticism of its rights record.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Apr 2011
Azerbaijani youth groups and long-dormant opposition staged 2 well-publicized but sparsely attended rallies in downtown Baku 11, 12 March. First rally attended by non-partisan young Facebook activists, who named it “Great People’s Day”. Authorities took preventive measures including arrest of several activists. Second rally organized by activists from opposition Musavat party, drew several hundred protesters calling for greater freedoms, resignation of President Aliyev. Police detained several dozen protesters; 9 given 10-day jail sentences. Musavat and Popular Front announced plans to stage joint protest 2 April. OSCE told govt to respect right to free assembly. Authorities started taking action to limit activities of foreign/foreign-sponsored NGOs; govt 17 March adopted restrictive decision concerning registration procedures of foreign NGOs.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Feb 2011
Following Dec Islamist demonstrations against govt ban on wearing hijab in schools, govt began crackdown on Islamic networks, community leaders. Movsum Samadov, head of unregistered Shiite Azerbaijan Islamic Party (AIP) and one of main organisers of Dec protests, arrested 7 Jan, following 2 Jan speech criticizing govt for hijab ban, calling on population to “rise up and put an end to this despotic regime”. Samadov sentenced 24 Jan to 3 months pretrial detention on charges of illegal arms possession, inciting terror, seeking to change constitutional system. Samadov’s arrest quickly followed by arrests of several dozen AIP activists, some accused of illegal arms possession. Activists said arrests politically motivated, claimed police planted weapons.
Azerbaijan
| 3 Jan 2011
Widespread demonstrations by Shiite Muslims after Education Minister 9 Dec stated wearing hijab at school against rules. Hundreds gathered 10 Dec in front of education ministry; several thousand protested 16 Dec in village near Baku. Despite Apr ruling by European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for immediate release and payment of damages to journalist Eynulla Fatullayev, Supreme Court 6 Dec upheld new charges of fraud and drug possession, introduced new 2 year sentence on libel charges. Council of Europe 7 Dec gave Baku until March 2011 to comply with ECHR’s ruling.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Dec 2010
Ruling party increased parliamentary representation to 74 of 125 seats in 7 Nov elections. Remainder of seats taken by nominally independent candidates and pro-govt parties, with none going to candidates from main opposition block for first time since country’s independence. International observers stated conduct of elections did not constitute meaningful progress in democratic development. In unanticipated move, govt 18, 19 Nov freed 2 youth activists arrested Aug 2009 and sentenced Nov on hooliganism charges; jailing condemned domestically, internationally as politically motivated. Govt 11 Nov revoked some charges against journalist Eynulla Fatullayev serving 8+ years, but despite European Court of Human Rights ruling did not release him.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Oct 2010
In meeting seen as mending ties on sidelines of UNGA, U.S. President Obama 24 Sept acknowledged country’s contribution to ISAF troops in Afghanistan, urged democratic reform, pressed case of 2 youth bloggers detained on charges widely perceived as politically motivated. Russian President Medvedev 2 Sept visited Baku for cooperation talks, reached agreement to double Azerbaijani gas exports to Russia.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Sep 2010
During mid-month visit by Turkish President Gul, countries signed treaty of “strategic partnership and mutual cooperation”; Gul said Turkey will continue to support Azerbaijan in conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh. Reports emerged Russia to sell 2 S-300 missile systems to Azerbaijan. International criticism of Supreme Court 20 Aug decision to uphold Nov 2009 sentences against 2 youth activists arrested Aug 2009.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Aug 2010
Opposition rally held 31 July despite ban on protests in Baku city center; some 100 reportedly arrested. Govt 15 July filed appeal against Apr ruling by European Court of Human Rights for immediate release and payment of damages to journalist Eynulla Fatullayev serving 8+ year sentence for libel, instigation of terrorism, tax evasion; claimed Court overstepped jurisdiction. Fatullayev 6 July sentenced to additional 2.5 years for drug possession while in prison. EU High Rep Ashton in Baku 16 July announced start of talks on association agreement.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Jul 2010
Parliament 18 June adopted controversial amendments to national laws: law requiring it to coordinate legislative agenda with presidential administration in joint annual plan; amendment to election code shortening election and campaign periods. In run-up to Nov parliamentary elections, major opposition parties 12, 19 June held separate protests in central Baku despite govt ban. Police violently suppressed actions, detained scores.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Jun 2010
In 17 May visit to country, Turkish PM Erdogan discussed Nagorno-Karabakh with President Aliyev; they pledged to set up high-level strategic cooperation council. Opposition parties 15 May attempted rally in Baku calling for free parliamentary elections in Nov 2010. Police dispersed rally, detained some 50 protesters; 11 sentenced to 5-6 days in jail.
Azerbaijan
| 1 May 2010
Baku accused U.S. govt of pro-Armenian bias and threatened to reconsider ties in response to U.S. decision not to invite country to 12-13 Apr Washington DC nuclear summit, attended by Turkish and Armenian leaders, especially given talks on normalisation between countries on sidelines; cancelled 19 Apr planned joint command military exercises with U.S. Over month, Azerbaijan, Turkey exchanged high-level visits, including 19 Apr trip to Baku by Turkish FM Davutoglu, to discuss terms of Turkish-Armenian rapprochement. European Court of Human Rights 22 Apr ruled govt should release and pay damages to imprisoned journalist Eynulla Fatullayev serving 8+ year sentence for defamation, instigation of terror, and tax evasion.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Apr 2010
Appeal court 11 March upheld verdict of 2 youth activists arrested Aug 2009 and sentenced 11 Nov to 2/2.5 years in prison on hooliganism charges, condemned domestically, internationally as politically motivated. Amid strong domestic, international criticism of decision, President Aliyev 17 March pardoned editor of opposition daily Azadliq Qanimat Zahidov convicted for hooliganism 2007. Ministry of National Security (MNS) 17-19 March interrogated 5 editors-in-chief of major opposition newspapers for alleging MNS involvement in 2005 murder of journalist Elmar Huseynov. 5 men to face criminal charges for hooliganism in 13 Feb police clash with procession marking death of prophet Muhammad.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Mar 2010
Parliament 12 Feb passed amendments to media law, approved in March 2009 referendum, banning unauthorized image and voice recordings; move denounced by opposition, media as restricting freedom of expression, facilitating intimidation of journalists. 15 people detained 13 Feb after police clashed with authorised Shiite Muslim procession during annual religious observance day.
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Azerbaijan
| 1 Feb 2010
In Nakhchivan exclave, continuously criticised for repressive govt policies, more than 100 people beaten and detained after police 5 Jan attacked protesters in Bananyar village. Protesters were rallying against late Dec arrests during Ashura religious day gathering . U.S., Norwegian diplomats 13 Jan prevented from entering village.
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Azerbaijan
| 4 Jan 2010
European Parliament 17 Dec adopted resolution expressing concern over deterioration of media freedom in Azerbaijan, criticising jailing of opposition journalists and youth activists.
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Azerbaijan
| 1 Dec 2009
Baku accelerated efforts on alternative gas export routes to Europe, signing agreements with Bulgaria, MoU with Iran. Govt 19 Nov called for security guarantees from NATO in exchange for partnership. Court 11 Nov sentenced 2 youth activists, arrested Aug on charges of hooliganism, to 2/2.5 year prison terms, drawing further condemnation from international community over case.
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Azerbaijan
| 1 Nov 2009
Azerbaijan strongly criticised Turkish signing of protocols to normalise relations with Armenia in absence of resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh dispute and Armenian withdrawal from territory (see Armenia/Turkey).
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Azerbaijan
| 1 Oct 2009
Amid dispute with Turkmenistan over Caspian Sea demarcation and oil and gas resources, Baku 1 Sept criticised Turkmen announcement previous day of plans for naval base on Caspian sea, called for demilitarisation of Caspian. Trial of 2 activists jailed in July on charges of hooliganism began, continuing to attract criticism from rights and media freedom organisations, govts and EU, citing attempts to silence dissent.
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Azerbaijan
| 1 Sep 2009
Deputy FM Khalafov dismissed Turkmenistan’s 4 Aug claim that Absheron peninsula, site of capital Baku, should not be taken into consideration when determining Caspian Sea delimitation.
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Azerbaijan
| 1 Aug 2009
Early-month arrest of 2 youth activists on charges of hooliganism, widely believed to be fabricated, provoked widespread international condemnation. 13 Azerbaijanis on trial on charges of collaboration with Taliban. Deputy FM Khalaf Khalafov 26 July said Azerbaijan ready to consider arbitration as option to solve Caspian delimitation problems with Turmenistan, following Turkmen President’s 24 July statement that his country preparing to file case against Azerbaijan in International Court of Arbitration.
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Azerbaijan
| 1 Jul 2009
Parliamentary committee 9 June approved package of controversial amendments to NGO laws envisioning severe restrictions on NGO activity and registration, including no more than 50% of funding to come from foreign sources. Amid domestic, international criticism, these proposals eliminated from eventual law passed by parliament 30 June. Azeri-Iranian relations strained by Baku’s invitation to Israeli President Peres who visited late month for business, energy talks. Following visit by Russian President Medvedev, Baku signed agreement with Russia 29 June on sale of Azerbaijani gas.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N°50, Azerbaijan: Defence Sector Management and Reform, 29 Oct. 2008.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Jun 2009
Police 4 May arrested 2 men for 30 Apr campus attack, both from same part of Georgia as dead gunman; motive still unknown. 50 detained 10 May for protesting lack of official mourning for victims. Govt 8 May signed “Southern Corridor” final declaration in support of regional infrastructure projects, including energy and transport, along with the EU, Turkey, Georgia, Egypt.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N°50, Azerbaijan: Defence Sector Management and Reform, 29 Oct. 2008.
Azerbaijan
| 1 May 2009
Ethnic Azeri Georgian gunman killed at least 13 after opening fire on State Oil Academy campus 30 Apr, in deadliest attack since 1994; motive unknown. EU Special Envoy for South Caucasus 6 Apr criticised amendment removing presidential term limits, approved in March referendum and signed into constitution by President Aliyev 2 Apr. Govt expressed opposition to Turkish-Armenian rapprochement without Armenian concessions on NK. 2 pro-opposition journalists released from jail 9 Apr following Aliyev statement that arresting journalists for professional activities not justified.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N°50, Azerbaijan: Defence Sector Management and Reform, 29 Oct. 2008.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Apr 2009
Controversial constitutional amendments ending presidential term limits overwhelmingly approved in 18 March referendum. Opposition said official 71% turnout figure fabricated, real turnout less than the 25% required for valid vote; cited “mass violations” of election laws. Council of Europe 19 March warned amendments violate 2002 commitments, could cause suspension of delegation, loss of membership. Russian FM Lavrov in Baku visit 12 March denied reports of Jan arms transfer from Russia to Armenia; FM Mammadyarov said Azerbaijani investigations into alleged incident continuing. Parliament 10 March passed amendments to media laws; watchdogs said threat to media reform.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N°50, Azerbaijan: Defence Sector Management and Reform, 29 Oct. 2008.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Mar 2009
18 March national referendum campaign to abolish 2-term limit on presidency began 18 Feb. Baku expressed concern over Russian intentions in Caucasus following 4 Feb Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) decision to set up joint rapid reaction force, and 13 Feb CSTO Sec General statement on Russian, Armenian plans for integrated air defence network. 11 Feb murder of Air force chief prompted fears of internal instability. Turkish FM Babacan in Baku 9 Feb to discuss Turkish-Armenian rapprochement with President Aliyev. News website day.az closed down 19 Feb, reportedly by authorities, later resumed under new ownership, editor.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N°50, Azerbaijan: Defence Sector Management and Reform, 29 Oct. 2008.
Azerbaijan
| 1 Feb 2009
Ahead of 18 March referendum on removing constitutional ban on presidential term limits, parties started organizing “initiative groups” around proposed amendments, including 9 Jan establishment of “Civil Movement for the Republic and Karabakh” by opposition groups. 2 opposition members collecting signatures for registration of a group arrested 22 Jan in Sabirabad. Govt mid-month expressed concern over alleged 2008 Russian arms delivery to Armenia (see Nagorno-Karabakh). Council of Europe 15 Jan condemned Dec govt ban on international radio station broadcasts. President Aliyev 27 Jan told Budapest summit on Nabucco that Azerbaijan ready to participate in pipeline.
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For background, see Crisis Group Europe Briefing N°50, Azerbaijan: Defence Sector Management and Reform, 29 Oct. 2008.
Items 1 - 50 of 113