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Friday December 5 2025
Minsk Group’s lost decades: How ineffective mediation prolonged Garabagh conflict

Minsk Group’s lost decades: How ineffective mediation prolonged Garabagh conflict

For nearly three decades, the former Garabagh conflict was trapped in a cycle of meetings, proposals, and mediations that led nowhere. The OSCE Minsk Group convened countless sessions, yet the occupied territories remained under foreign control, and Azerbaijan’s sovereignty hung in limbo. When Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently released archival documents from these negotiations, Maria Zakharova’s criticism highlighted a technical breach of protocol. But beyond ethics, the files expose a deeper truth: the mediation process itself was ineffective, and the long stalemate required pragmatic action on the ground to restore justice.

Nation
EU energy shift creates new demand surge for Azerbaijani gas [OPINION]

EU energy shift creates new demand surge for Azerbaijani gas [OPINION]

The European Union (EU) has agreed to phase out imports of natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia by the fall of 2027. According to the official announcement, this step is part of a broader roadmap aimed at ending Europe’s dependence on Russian energy. By the end of 2026, imports of Russian LNG will be legally prohibited, and by autumn 2027, pipeline gas imports from Russia will also be phased out.

Oil & Gas
Dutch crude imports from Azerbaijan surge 2.1x, reaching $183 mln

Dutch crude imports from Azerbaijan surge 2.1x, reaching $183 mln

The Netherlands imported $182.858 million worth of crude oil from Azerbaijan in the period from January to October this year, Azernews reports, citing the State Customs Committee.

Business
Azal introduces new service against potential flight schedule disruptions

Azal introduces new service against potential flight schedule disruptions

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), a part of AZCON Holding, has launched a new digital service called DAFAR (Disruption Assistance For Any Reason), offering passengers protection against unexpected changes in flight schedules.

Analysis

Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
Yerevan’s narrative on detainees masks domestic politics [OPINION]

Yerevan’s narrative on detainees masks domestic politics [OPINION]

Armenian parliamentary speaker Alen Simonyan has once again presented Yerevan’s familiar narrative: that the government is “doing everything” to secure the return of Armenians held in Azerbaijan. With confident language, he claimed that all detainees will eventually be brought home, pointing to the decrease in numbers since 2020 as proof that the government’s efforts are working. Simonyan even suggested that former separatist figures, including those who once held leadership roles in the self-proclaimed structure in Khankandi, would eventually return to Armenia.

Armenian Aggression
Defence lawyers conclude closing statements in trial of Armenian citizens [PHOTOS]

Defence lawyers conclude closing statements in trial of Armenian citizens [PHOTOS]

As a result of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, an open court hearing continued on December 4 in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan and others, who are accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, the forcible seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes.

World
October brings boost to Spanish industrial production

October brings boost to Spanish industrial production

Spain’s seasonally and calendar-adjusted industrial production grew by 1.2% in October compared to the same month last year, according to a report released on Friday by the National Statistics Institute (INE), Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Travel
Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport

Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport
Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month

Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month
Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]

Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]
Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture

Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture
Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park

Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park
Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Lifestyle
IDEA Public Union organises new tree-planting campaigns in Khachmaz and Shabran [PHOTOS]

IDEA Public Union organises new tree-planting campaigns in Khachmaz and Shabran [PHOTOS]

As part of the "Green Marathon" mass tree-planting campaign initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and leader of the IDEA Public Union, new tree-planting actions were organised in the Khachmaz and Shabran districts, Azernews reports.

Culture
National Art Museum opens exhibition dedicated to Mirza Gadim Irevani [PHOTOS]

National Art Museum opens exhibition dedicated to Mirza Gadim Irevani [PHOTOS]

A solemn event dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the outstanding artist and founder of realistic easel painting in Azerbaijani visual art, Mirza Gadim Irevani (1825–1875), has taken place at Azerbaijan National Art Museum, Azernews reports.

Events
Nakhchivan hosts Azerbaijani and Turkish business leaders for strategic talks [PHOTOS]

Nakhchivan hosts Azerbaijani and Turkish business leaders for strategic talks [PHOTOS]

Nakhchivan hosted the 2nd Azerbaijan–Turkiye Regional Economic Forum, bringing together government officials and business leaders to discuss opportunities for cross-border trade, investment, and broader business collaboration.

Sports
Khankandi to host Vugar Hashimov Memorial

Khankandi to host Vugar Hashimov Memorial

The 11th Vugar Hashimov Memorial, dedicated to the memory of the late chess player and European champion Vugar Hashimov, will take place in Khankandi on December 9-11, Azernews reports.

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