Eurasia / News
Israeli academic calls on government to back Azeri independence from Iran
An influential lecturer in Israel is stirring the pot between Tehran and Baku in his latest editorial in Israeli media.
Armenian parliament passes bill on launching EU accession process
Bill adopted despite Russian criticism formally declares the start of Armenia’s EU accession process, but officials stress it does not constitute a formal membership application.
Rights watchdog documents forced mobilisation of Central Asian labour migrants in Russian military
Citizenship wielded as instrument of coercion.
Several EU countries back push to fund Prague-based RFE/RL in response to Trump axeing it
Member states want EU to fund Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the Agency for Global Media.
Georgian authorities freeze funds of NGOs supporting pro-EU protesters
Ruling Georgian Dream party has introduced increasingly repressive legislation in recent months in an attempt to intimidate protesters and crush the resistance.
Iran, EEU free trade deal to take effect in mid-May
A comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union will come into force on May 15, paving the way for stronger economic ties and potentially doubling trade volumes.
Tensions rise over peace treaty talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia
Reports of ceasefire violations along the border have intensified, further complicating the fragile peace process.
Former Georgian president Saakashvili gets a further 4.5 years in prison for illegal border crossing
Mikheil Saakashvili, president of Georgia from 2004-13, has been found guilty of illegally crossing the Georgian border in September 2021 and sentenced to four years and six months in jail by the Tbilisi City Court.
Azerbaijan expands crackdown on government critics at home and abroad
The Azerbaijani authorities have targeted political dissidents both inside the country and abroad, initiating criminal proceedings and issuing official summons for several prominent government critics.
Turn 'brain drain' into 'brain gain' by attracting home skilled migrants, World Bank urges Central Asia
Report also underlines value of remittances said to contribute 45% of Tajikistan’s GDP, 24% of Kyrgyzstan’s and 14% of Uzbekistan’s.
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan sign long-sought deal on border known for armed clashes
Soviet-era demarcation of frontier has plagued relations during three decades of two republics' independence.
Afghan opium prices skyrocket amid ban, fuelling organised crime
Poppy production is again on the rise in Afghanistan as spring approaches and prices for opium increase.
Georgian ex-president Saakashvili given nine years in prison for embezzlement
An extra three years are expected to be tacked onto Mikheil Saakashvili’s original six-year sentence, meaning he will now not be eligible for release until late 2030.
Uzbekistan launches drive to develop minerals & mining sector
An invitation for the United States to invest.
Loss of US assistance hampering Tajikistan’s efforts to contain HIV – UN agency
A public health disaster in making.
Former Karabakh leader’s trial in Baku puts Armenian government under pressure
Ruben Vardanyan’s ongoing trial has sparked protests and deepened anti-government sentiment in Armenia, where PM Nikol Pashinyan has been slammed for his lack of action.
Georgian prime minister doubles down on commitment to develop Middle Corridor during visit to Central Asia
Irakli Kobakhidze's visits to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan were aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, with a particular focus on connectivity.
Question: Where in the world may you soon be advised to not take a “selfie”?
Country’s language czars also frown on people getting a “cashback” or saying the Russian word “svetofor” for traffic light.
Council of Europe reports dramatic decline in press freedoms in Georgia
Georgia’s decline was characterised by “escalating violence against journalists, restrictive legislation and political interference” says 2024 press freedom report.
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Azerbaijan says it is developing a nuclear programme
The Azerbaijani government is actively working on the peaceful development of its nuclear energy programme, Deputy Energy Minister Elnur Soltanov told a parliamentary committee hearing.