Eurasia / News
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.
_Cropped_0.jpg){kind=spacer}
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.
Kremlin-backed candidate wins Abkhazia presidency in runoff vote
Badra Gunba claimed victory over his opponent Adgur Ardzinba in the second round of the presidential election in the Russia-backed Georgian separatist region of Abkhazia.
Turkmenistan: Shortage of conscripts hampers military modernisation
Ashgabat contemplates raising draft age.
Emerging Europe’s Ukraine critics unleashed by Trump’s attack on Zelenskiy
Leaders of Bulgaria, Georgia and Hungary back Trump in row with Ukrainian president and slam Europe's handling of the war.
Tajikistan again in spotlight as “terrorism hub” after New York arrest
Accused allegedly sent tens of thousands of dollars Islamic State extremists overseas and trained with assault rifles at shooting ranges in US.
Iranian parliament approves free trade zone with EEU
After years of negotiations, Iran's parliament has ratified an agreement with the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) to create a free trade zone.
Humanitarian crisis in western Georgia as heavy snowfall continues
Heavy snow has been falling across Georgia for seven days, with the western mountainous regions of Guria and Adjara on the Black Sea Coast particularly affected.
US shows interest in bolstering ties with Central Asian states
Washington interested in widening access to region’s mineral wealth.
Fitch warns over political and geopolitical risks to South Caucasus sovereign ratings
Political and geopolitical developments that heighten external vulnerabilities and policy weaknesses in the South Caucasus are exerting a significant influence on the sovereign credit profiles of the region’s countries, rating agency says.
Armenia, EU close in on new partnership agreement
Plans for an ambitious 'partnership agenda' were unveiled last year, coinciding with Armenia's growing estrangement from Russia.
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan put border troubles behind them
Opening way for commerce.
Georgia’s surging art imports fuel speculation over Ivanishvili’s offshore tax exemption
Many politicians and analysts in Georgia suspect Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili is behind the $480.7mn of art works imported into Georgia in January.
Turkmenistan making moves to integrate into Middle Corridor trade routes
Ashgabat wants to join the party.