AGP Executive Report

Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Talks: Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan spoke by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron, with both sides stressing the need for “lasting and sustainable peace” in the South Caucasus. US Congressional Pressure: The Armenian National Committee of America hailed a House Foreign Affairs Committee vote backing an amendment calling for the “immediate and unconditional release” of Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan—prompting expected pushback in Baku over how the cases are defined. Deposit Insurance Payments: Azerbaijan’s Deposit Insurance Fund says it has paid ₼1.73 billion in compensation to depositors of 19 liquidated banks and is expanding digital payment options. IDP Policy Shift: The president approved amendments revising IDP status rules and a phased social support model for displaced people, alongside steps to transfer housing in liberated areas to IDPs. Justice & Detention: Azerbaijan’s court extended the arrest of journalist Afghan Sadigov to Oct. 30, while separate reports again raised concerns about the health of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan. Regional Security & Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres said the situation around Syria’s Golan Heights is “totally unacceptable,” as he began a visit focused on Syria’s political transition. Energy/Logistics: Iran’s ambassador in Baku said work is underway on a railway freight terminal and that Azerbaijani investors are interested in agriculture and transit cooperation.

Parliamentary Justice & Rights: Azerbaijan’s Baku Court of Appeal continued hearings on appeals by former Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh leaders Arayik Harutyunyan and others, with prosecutors arguing the appeals are groundless and the next session set for July 27. Prison Conditions Allegations: Armenian rights advocate Siranush Sahakyan says she received reports of serious injuries, including fractures, among Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, though she cannot independently verify them. Armenian Prisoners’ Legal Process: Prosecutors also rejected grounds in another appeal hearing involving Armenian nationals convicted by Baku Military Court, as the legal cases continue. Detention of Journalist Afghan Sadigov: Azerbaijan extended journalist Afghan Sadigov’s arrest until October 30, with his lawyer saying the case is politically motivated and Sadigov denies guilt. Domestic Security Update: Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry reported solving 49 crimes and detaining 106 wanted people on July 24, including 74 wanted over outstanding debts. New Law for Finance: President Ilham Aliyev signed the Law “On Crowdfunding,” setting rules for equity and debt crowdfunding platforms, with entry into force six months after publication. Diplomatic Moves: Azerbaijan recalled its ambassador to Italy, Rashad Aslanov, from multiple posts including Malta and FAO/WFP/IFAD representation. Regional Politics Pressure: TURKPA warned that a US House Foreign Affairs Committee amendment targeting Azerbaijan could harm ongoing Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization efforts. International Security Context: Ukraine reported strikes on Russian warships and Iran-linked vessels in the Caspian Sea, disrupting sanctioned supply routes.

Armenia-Azerbaijan Courtroom: Baku’s Court of Appeal kept hearing appeals by Armenian nationals convicted by the Baku Military Court, with prosecutors continuing their arguments and the panel ensuring interpreters and defense rights. Human Rights in Focus: An ECHR representative says Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijani custody report serious injuries, possibly linked to torture, while medical access concerns remain in the background. Domestic Legal/Political Pressure: Azerbaijan’s president approved amendments enabling involuntary psychiatric evaluations without consent, drawing criticism that it could be used to silence dissent. Elections & Civil Society Case: Prosecutors sought long prison terms for Anar Mamedli and Anar Abdullayev over alleged illegal entrepreneurship, money laundering and tax evasion, with the defense calling the case politically driven. International Energy & Connectivity: Azerbaijan presented its SECURE model for post-conflict cultural recovery at UNESCO, while separate coverage highlights Azerbaijan’s role in regional transport and energy corridors. Regional Security: US-Iran strikes and wider Middle East escalation continue, with UN calls for safe evacuation of thousands of seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Azerbaijan and Russia discussed agricultural cooperation and water challenges, including irrigation modernization and drought-resistant crop trials.

Azerbaijan–Russia Ties: Azerbaijan’s agriculture minister met Russia’s climate and water envoy to discuss Caspian water-level decline, irrigation modernization, drought-resistant crops, and joint trials. Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev appointed Rashad Aslanov as Azerbaijan’s new ambassador to Türkiye, recalling him from Italy and related UN posts. Regional Security: Iran warned that any country aiding U.S. operations against Iran could become a “legitimate target,” as drone and missile strikes continue across the region. Armenia–Azerbaijan Pressure: The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee backed a push for Azerbaijan to immediately release Armenian hostages. Energy/Transport: Analysts flagged how Middle Corridor logistics and Caspian route disruptions keep geopolitics tied to trade; Kazakhstan’s CPC halt also cut oil output sharply. Public Safety: A mine blast in Jabrayil injured a tractor driver; authorities urged strict compliance with mine-safety rules. Culture & Society: Dream Fest 2026 kicked off in Baku with a red-carpet opening, including Cheb Khaled receiving a Walk of Fame star.

Press Freedom Under Scrutiny: Azerbaijan faces fresh international concern after reports of ill-treatment of five women journalists detained in politically motivated cases, alongside claims of arbitrary detention of media figure Afgan Sadigov after his expulsion from Georgia. Opposition Crackdown: Activist Kenan Ismail was arrested for 30 days on an administrative charge of disobedience to police, while another opposition figure, Vugar Gadirli, received a two-year prison sentence—both parties allege fabricated, politically driven cases. IDP Policy Shift: President Ilham Aliyev approved amendments tightening when internally displaced persons lose IDP status and adjusting social support rules, including changes to housing relocation requirements. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s FM Jeyhun Bayramov met Russia’s climate aide Ruslan Edelgeriyev, focusing on COP-29 follow-up and accelerating Caspian Sea cooperation. International Pressure on Hostages: The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee voted 44-7 to urge Azerbaijan to release Armenian hostages. Energy & Finance: SOFAZ suspended gold sales in Q2 2026, citing volatility linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict. Classified Info Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Slovakia signed an agreement on exchange and mutual protection of classified information.

IDP Status Overhaul: President Ilham Aliyev approved amendments to Azerbaijan’s IDP law, tightening when people lose IDP status—now including refusal of state-offered housing options—and setting transitional rules for those already relocated to liberated territories. Social Protection Shift: The government is also moving IDP social support to a new phased model: benefits will remain for three years after a person loses IDP status, and a key change removes the requirement that replacement housing must be in the same settlement. US-Azerbaijan Legal Pressure: The US House Foreign Affairs Committee backed a measure urging Azerbaijan to immediately and unconditionally release Armenian hostages/POWs, adding another layer to ongoing hostage and detainee diplomacy. Opposition Health Concern: Azerbaijan Popular Front Party member Elhan Aliyev’s health reportedly deteriorated in prison, with his lawyer and party calling for urgent medical intervention. EU/Armenia Court Fight: Armenian lawyer Siranush Sahakyan says an ECtHR complaint was filed over Ruben Vardanyan’s case, arguing Azerbaijan’s system cannot protect rights in Nagorno-Karabakh-related matters. Standards & Climate Policy: Azerbaijan adopted 293 new state standards in H1 2026, including areas like AI and digital tech, while a draft Climate Law proposes a national carbon registry and emissions trading/carbon tax mechanisms. Energy & Connectivity: Azerbaijan’s Middle Corridor push continues as ZHARYQ Kazakhstan partners with Rivada for satellite connectivity across Central Asia and Azerbaijan.

EU Maritime Crackdown: The EU’s Operation IRINI stopped a Turkish-owned tanker in the Western Mediterranean over suspected false-flag activity, with Atalanta set to expand flag verification in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Diplomacy: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke by phone with Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan, urging further steps toward the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and linking it to South Caucasus stability. Baku’s Foreign Policy Messaging: President Ilham Aliyev told global media at the Shusha Global Media Forum that Azerbaijan’s diplomacy is “balanced and pragmatic,” grounded in peace, non-interference, and international law. Strasbourg Case Update: Ruben Vardanyan’s lawyer said Azerbaijan violated multiple ECHR articles and is preparing an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. Extraditions Continue: Azerbaijan extradited multiple wanted suspects from Russia, including a Kyrgyz national to Russia, underscoring ongoing cross-border criminal cooperation. Regional Security Context: The US-Iran confrontation escalated again with continued strikes and missile attacks across the region, while diplomacy struggled to contain the fallout. Customs & Trade Facilitation: WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders visited Baku, praising Azerbaijan’s customs modernization and regional role.

US-Iran Escalation: The US completed its 11th straight night of strikes on Iran, targeting military and drone-related sites, as Iranian air defenses activated around Tehran and explosions were reported across multiple provinces; Regional Security in Jordan: Jordan’s army said it intercepted four Iranian missiles over Aqaba, with two others falling in uninhabited areas; ECtHR Move in Ruben Vardanyan Case: Armenian lawyer Siranush Sahakyan filed an application with the European Court of Human Rights over Vardanyan’s 20-year sentence in Azerbaijan, alleging violations and that the court did not read the full judgment; Azerbaijan-Germany Strategic Pivot: President Ilham Aliyev’s Berlin visit produced a Joint Declaration on a Strategic Agenda and a new Azerbaijan-Germany Business Council, with energy and the Middle Corridor highlighted; Judicial Cooperation: Azerbaijan’s Supreme Court hosted a Pakistan legal delegation to discuss judicial and legal reforms and expand cooperation; Cross-Border Logistics Digitalization: Azerbaijan and Georgia launched an electronic permit system for international road freight, moving from pilot shipments to full rollout; Energy Market Signals: Azeri Light crude jumped to $98.73/bbl, while CPC reportedly stopped accepting Kazakh oil after tanker attacks; National Press Day: Azerbaijan marked the 151st anniversary of its national press, recalling Hasan bey Zardabi’s first Azerbaijani-language newspaper.

Azerbaijan–Germany Strategic Pivot: President Ilham Aliyev confirmed that former German and Russian officials held secret talks in Baku on July 12–14 on ending the Ukraine war, saying flight records proved the meeting happened on Azerbaijani territory “without our knowledge,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz denied Berlin’s involvement; Aliyev also used the Berlin stop to push deeper energy and connectivity cooperation, including a strategic partnership declaration and a new Azerbaijan–Germany Business Council. Courtroom Politics in Baku: The Baku Court of Appeal continued hearings on appeals by Armenian nationals convicted by a military court, with prosecutors and interpreters present as the cases focus on charges tied to the 2020 war and related crimes. Armenian Prisoners’ Pressure Campaign: Former Artsakh commander Davit Manukyan urged Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan to publicly respond to what he calls “fabricated and false” accusations against him and other captives, warning silence would imply agreement. Regional Security Watch: Ukraine denied involvement in drone attacks on tankers serving Kazakhstan’s main oil export route via the CPC, while Kazakhstan suspended loadings after strikes raised energy-security concerns. Labor Policy Update: Azerbaijan’s employment strategy for 2026–2030 outlines flexible working hours, allowing start/end time choice within limits while keeping the 40-hour weekly norm. Cybersecurity Milestone: Azercell became the first Azerbaijani corporate member of FIRST and set up a Telecom CERT after international assessment of incident response capabilities. Humanitarian/Community: Azerbaijan repatriated 16 citizens from Syria and provided initial medical and psychosocial support; separately, Baku hosted a religious freedom forum featuring Azerbaijan’s Jewish and Protestant leaders.

Azerbaijan–IMF Talks: The Economy Ministry met IMF mission chief Anna Bordon to discuss forecasts, structural reforms, and tax policy aimed at diversifying the non-oil economy. EU Energy & Diplomacy: German analyst Alexander Rahr says President Ilham Aliyev’s Berlin talks with Chancellor Merz will focus on energy/trade and regional stability, including Iran. UNESCO Heritage: Azerbaijan reaffirmed its heritage protection commitments at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, highlighting the “Azerbaijani Culture – 2040” framework and Khinalig’s UNESCO recognition. Transport & Trade: ABADA says the Zangezur corridor could cut distances, logistics costs, and border crossings for cargo to Europe, with a push for digitalized procedures. Border Security Reform: Armenia’s NSS border troops plan a gradual takeover of the state border, with new recruitment mechanisms and service rules. Armenia–Public Administration Debate: A Good Government Index analysis argues Armenia struggles to turn data into long-term strategy, while Azerbaijan and Georgia score differently across indicators. Regional Security Noise: Iran says it is in “full-scale war” with the US as strikes continue, raising risks for logistics and energy routes. Culture & Soft Power: Belarus awarded Azerbaijani singer Nafisa Akiyeva the “Slavic Hope” prize at Vitebsk. Sports & Community: A Gazakh rowing event is set for July 24, while Baku hosted the Indian diaspora’s BMA Champions League cricket tournament.

Energy Security: A drone attack hit a Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) oil tanker at the Black Sea terminal near Novorossiysk, suspending loading and raising new concerns about the safety of the region’s key export route. Cross-Border Trade: Georgia and Azerbaijan launched a bilateral e-permit exchange for international road freight, aiming to cut paperwork and speed up permits by 2027. Repatriation & Human Security: Azerbaijan repatriated 16 citizens from Syria (7 women, 9 children), with medical and psychological checks and plans for reintegration. Defense Cooperation: Azerbaijani special forces took part in the joint counterterrorism exercise “Zulfiqar” in Jordan with partners from Jordan, Türkiye, and Pakistan. Labor Policy: Azerbaijan plans flexible working arrangements under its 2026–2030 employment strategy action plan. Justice & International Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Pakistan discussed expanding legal and judicial cooperation, including training programs in Baku and planned activity in Islamabad. Regional Politics: Haaretz reports Netanyahu blocked a Knesset vote on recognizing the Armenian genocide after contacts involving Azerbaijan. World Bank: A new World Bank Country Manager for Azerbaijan was appointed, with Sacha Backes set to assume the role in August.

Human Rights & Politics: Jailed opposition leader Ali Karimli says his “attempted coup” case is fabricated, warning Western energy engagement must not ignore rights restrictions in Azerbaijan. Mine Clearance: ANAMA reports 1,959.5 hectares cleared in liberated territories (July 13–19), including 200 anti-personnel mines and 28 anti-tank mines neutralized. Regional Security: US strikes on Iran expanded to multiple provinces, including Bushehr and Tabriz, amid Iranian warnings over Hormuz and renewed counterstrikes. Armenia-Azerbaijan Humanitarian Pressure: Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen plan a protest march to Hakari Bridge if Yerevan fails to provide information within a week. Governance Ranking: Azerbaijan placed 57th in the Chandler Good Government Index, ahead of Armenia (64th). Cybersecurity: SCIS says it blocked 8.5 million malicious URLs and 2.6 million harmful emails in the first half of 2026. Transport & Diplomacy: Azerbaijan says direct flights to Russia will resume soon after talks in Moscow; bilateral trade hit $4.9bn in 2025. Tourism Reality Check: Azerbaijan’s new airports aren’t yet matched by regular routes, with Gabala’s limited scheduled links highlighted as a bottleneck for tourism growth.

Israel-Azerbaijan Diplomatic Pressure: Haaretz reports the Israeli Knesset removed a planned vote on “Armenian genocide” recognition after contact via Hikmet Hajiyev, with Israeli officials assuring Baku the issue would not reach a plenary vote. Azerbaijan-Russia Alignment: Russia’s Foreign Ministry welcomed Bayramov’s Moscow visit, stressing preparation to fully implement the 2022 “Declaration on Allied Cooperation.” Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Talks: Reuters cites Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev saying “real peace” exists, but Armenia must drop territorial claims through constitutional or other legal mechanisms before a treaty. UN Sustainable Development: Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev spoke at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York, highlighting SDG progress, demining as a national goal, and Great Return initiatives. Kyiv Embassy Hit: Russian ballistic strikes damaged areas near Azerbaijan’s embassy in Kyiv; one person died and seven were injured, with fires reported near the Lukianivska metro station. Regional Security & Logistics: With Hormuz tensions rising, IRGC claims drone and missile actions, while Russia points to the North-South Transport Corridor as vital for trade amid disruptions. Youth & Culture Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s youth delegation took part in UN HLPF events on SDG implementation, and Azerbaijan also promoted Silk Road cultural ties at a Beijing literature congress.

Azerbaijan Diplomacy at the UN: Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev wrapped a New York trip (July 13–17), stressing Azerbaijan’s SDG progress, the Great Return Program, and demining as a prerequisite for sustainable development, while urging practical implementation of the UN “Pact for the Future.” Armenia Peace Process: In remarks carried by Reuters, Hikmet Hajiyev said Armenia and Azerbaijan are already in “real peace,” but peace talks hinge on Armenia dropping territorial claims via constitutional or other legal mechanisms. Kyiv Embassy Hit: Russian ballistic strikes damaged areas around Azerbaijan’s embassy in Kyiv near the Lukianivska metro station; one person died and seven were injured, with no reported damage to embassy staff. Mine Action Milestone: ANAMA marked the 28th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s mine action agency, highlighting expanded clearance responsibilities after the 2020 war and ongoing efforts to make liberated areas safe. Energy & Regional Spotlight: Turkmenistan’s OGT 2026 in Ashgabat (Oct 21–23) added award-winning journalist John Defterios as anchor moderator, with SOCAR joining as premier partner. Defense Modernization: Azerbaijan’s Air Force continued training flights using JF-17C Block-III “Thunder” alongside legacy aircraft, signaling accelerated integration of the new fighters. Visa Policy Update: Azerbaijan’s e-visa portal lists only five African countries eligible for 2026 (Algeria, Djibouti, Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa).

Russia-Azerbaijan Normalization: Foreign ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Sergey Lavrov met in Moscow, with both sides saying the “difficult period” is over and relations are fully normalized, including plans for a 2026–2027 consultations plan and discussion of South Caucasus issues and transport/economic unblocking. Armenia Peace Process: In a Reuters interview, presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said Armenia and Azerbaijan already live in “real peace,” but Armenia must drop territorial claims via constitutional or other legal mechanisms before a peace treaty—while a political scientist argued this is a political pretext that can’t guarantee peace. UN Sustainable Development: Deputy FM Fariz Rzayev took part in the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York, highlighting Azerbaijan’s Great Return Program, smart/green city development, demining as a prerequisite, and hosting COP29 and the World Urban Forum. AI Cooperation: Azerbaijan-backed digital cooperation moves forward: a Baku-based AI solutions platform is planned under a memorandum with Polygraf AI, aligned with the 2025–2028 AI strategy, while a new World AI Cooperation Organization is set to be headquartered in Shanghai. Mine Action: ANAMA marked the 28th anniversary of its founding, stressing expanded demining responsibilities after the 2020 war and continued work to make liberated areas safer. Defense & Training: Azerbaijan’s Air Force continued integration of JF-17C Block-III jets through training flights alongside legacy aircraft, signaling accelerated modernization. Sports (Youth Boxing): Azerbaijan won 13 medals at a U-17 boxing tournament in Georgia, including five golds. Visa Policy: Azerbaijan’s e-visa portal published 2026 eligibility, listing only five African countries for e-visas.

Russia-Azerbaijan Normalization: Foreign ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Sergey Lavrov met in Moscow and signed a 2026–2027 consultations plan, with Lavrov saying Russia supports full normalization and readiness to unblock transport and economic links. Armenian Detainees in Baku: The Baku Court of Appeal continued hearings in appeals by former Artsakh officials and other Armenian detainees; the next session is set for July 21 after partial rulings on defense motions. Mine Clearance Milestone: ANAMA marked the 28th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s mine action agency, highlighting expanded post-2020 demining responsibilities and progress clearing hundreds of thousands of hectares. AI and Digital Policy: Azerbaijan plans a regional AI center and signed an MOU in Baku to build an AI solutions platform with Polygraf AI, including training and AI security work. US Tariff Pressure on Russian Oil: A US Senate bill backed by 60+ lawmakers proposes 100% tariffs on top Russian oil buyers/facilitators, including Azerbaijan, while exempting some European gas importers; India and others are closely watching. Regional Security Signals: UK designated Iran’s IRGC and other groups as “threats to national security,” while reports also say four drones targeting the US consulate in Erbil were intercepted. Economy Watch: Moody’s reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s credit rating rationale and projected about 1.5% growth in 2026, citing SOFAZ assets and fiscal resilience alongside remaining oil dependence and geopolitical risks.