11:32
Armenia Plans Constitutional Referendum in 2027
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has announced plans to hold a nationwide vote on adopting a new constitution in 2027.
Azerbaijan takes Armenia to court over habitat damage
ANAMA
Azerbaijan has filed a case against Armenia at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, accusing it of severe environmental damage during its occupation of Azerbaijani territories—a move marking the first inter-state arbitration under the Bern Convention.
On 12 February 2025, Azerbaijan submitted a Statement of Claim to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, initiating an arbitration case against Armenia under the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (1979). The claim accuses Armenia of multiple violations of its obligations under the convention.
After reclaiming its territories, Azerbaijan reported significant environmental destruction allegedly caused by Armenia, including the failure to protect habitats and species in a critical biodiversity hotspot. Azerbaijan claims that Armenia’s actions and inaction resulted in severe and irreversible damage to the region’s ecosystems.
In light of this evidence, Azerbaijan issued a Notice of Arbitration to Armenia on 18 January 2023, officially starting the arbitration process. The arbitral tribunal was established on 15 September 2023, and the first procedural conference between the two countries was held on 12 April 2024 at the Peace Palace in The Hague. This case is noted as the first inter-state arbitration under the Bern Convention.
Azerbaijan seeks full reparations from Armenia for extensive environmental damage, including deforestation, unsustainable logging, mining, and the construction of hydropower plants during Armenia’s occupation. These activities reportedly harmed numerous species and their habitats in the affected territories.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) previously reported that thousands of hectares of protected forests in Azerbaijan, including ancient trees over 2,000 years old, were damaged. The report also noted chemical pollution from mining, affecting water, soil, and biota, with mass fish deaths documented in the Okhchuchay River. Several protected fish and amphibian species remain under threat due to Armenia’s actions during the occupation.
Azerbaijan intends to continue pursuing justice and holding Armenia accountable for the environmental damage and failure to protect ecosystems during the period of occupation.
09:36
Novruz: A Celebration of Renewal, Unity, and Cultural Heritage
As winter turns to spring, millions worldwide celebrate Novruz— an ancient festival of renewal, unity, and cultural heritage. Recognized by UNESCO and the UN, it is officially marked as International Novruz Day on March 21, inspiring hope, peace, and togetherness across generations and borders.
16:55
AZERBAIJAN-UK
Azerbaijan FM briefed David Lammy on peace treaty with Armenia
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov briefed his British counterpart on the current situation in the region and the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Today, Bayramov held a telephone conversation with David Lammy, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs.
20:30
AI-driven crime threats
Europol warns of growing AI-driven crime threats
Europol has warned that organised crime gangs are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to scale up scams and payment systems, making their operations more global, cost-efficient, and difficult to detect.
14:35
Azerbaijan reports cross-border fire from Armenia for third day
Azerbaijan on Tuesday reported cross-border fire targeting its military positions from Armenia for the third day in a row.
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