Day: September 19, 2023

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Georgian PM hails Intelligence Service as “institution of modern European standards” on professional day


garibashvili-pm.jpeg

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday hailed the Georgian Intelligence Service as an “institution of modern European standards” on the professional day of the Service.

I am glad that today the Intelligence Service has been established as an institution of modern European standards, which fully and efficiently responds to challenges facing the country”, Garibashvili said in his message.

The Government head stressed the Service had the “most important mission” of maintaining “peace and stability” in the country on the backdrop of “significant” geopolitical changes in the region and throughout the world.

In our most difficult times, in the conditions of significant geopolitical changes in the region and throughout the world, you have assumed the most important mission – to maintain peace and stability in the country, to strengthen the safety and well-being of citizens, and thus ensure further progress of Georgia”, he continued.

Garibashvili also thanked the professionals for their “tireless efforts, professionalism and dedication”.


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Truck explodes on anti-tank mine in Azerbaijan’s Khojavend – Trend News Agency


Truck explodes on anti-tank mine in Azerbaijan’s Khojavend  Trend News Agency

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G77 Summit, Global South And Uneasy Partners – Analysis


G77 Summit, Global South And Uneasy Partners – Analysis

The Group of 77 (G77), comprising 134 developing nations, concluded a two-day summit in Havana, Cuba, on September 16, culminating in a call for a revamped global order. This event took place in close temporal proximity to the recent G20 summit in New Delhi, sparking speculation and concerns within certain circles. Some wondered whether India, as the G20 chair, had compromised its commitment to the ‘Global South’ by abstaining from sending a high-level delegation to Cuba.

India, despite its assertion of representing the Global South during its G20 presidency, opted to curtail its participation in the ‘G-77 plus China’ summit by cancelling the visit of its External Affairs Minister (EAM) to Cuba. Sources indicated that this decision was prompted by a special parliamentary session scheduled for September 18 in India. However, when the Summit got underway in Havana, EAM was in the South Indian state Kerala’s capital in connection with a Union Government-sponsored event as chief guest, associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launching of  ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme in New Delhi. 

Critics argued that this move prevented India from reinforcing its standing as the ‘voice’ of the Global South, especially in the wake of hosting the G20 summit. Consequently, the Indian delegation was led by MEA secretary (West) Sanjay Varma. During its G20 presidency, India had previously articulated its dedication to amplifying the Global South’s influence in shaping global economic and monetary policies, aiming to engage in consultations with fellow Global South nations. Prime Minister Modi underscored this commitment on December 1, 2022, as India endeavoured to champion Global South interests on the global stage. However, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) levelled criticism, contending that the government under Prime Minister Modi maintained a close alignment with the United States. They accused the government of deliberately abstaining from sending a ministerial delegation to the G77 summit, where developing nations and China convened on September 15 and 16 in Cuba. The party argued that despite projecting itself as a leader of the ‘Global South,’ the central government chose to bypass this critical summit.

The Group of 77 (G-77) was formed way back in 1964, by 77 developing countries who signed the “Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Developing Countries” at the conclusion of the first United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva. The group’s institutional structure began to take shape with the first “Ministerial Meeting of the Group of 77” in Algiers, Algeria, in 1967, where the Charter of Algiers was adopted. This gradual development led to the establishment of G-77 Chapters with liaison offices in Geneva (UNCTAD), Nairobi (UNEP), Paris (UNESCO), Rome (FAO/IFAD), Vienna (UNIDO), and the Group of 24 (G-24) in Washington, D.C. (IMF and World Bank). Despite the group’s membership expanding to 134 countries, the original name was retained due to its historical significance. The Group of 77 stands as the largest intergovernmental organization of developing nations within the United Nations. It serves as a platform for Southern countries to voice and advance their collective economic interests, bolster their joint negotiation capabilities on significant international economic matters within the UN framework, and promote collaboration among Southern nations for development purposes. 

The Havana Summit of G77 was held in Cuba shortly before the commencement of the U.N. General Assembly session in New York scheduled for 19 September.  The G77 summit brought together heads of state from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, along with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and representatives from more than 100 nations.  Leaders from various countries, such as Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Argentina, attended the G77 summit. International leaders such as Angola’s president, Mozambique’s president, and the Palestinian Authority leader were also present.  China, although not an official G77 member, expressed steadfast support for the organization’s objectives. A Chinese representative at the summit underscored China’s commitment to prioritizing South-South cooperation and addressing digital disparities, aligning closely with the summit’s overarching theme of science and innovation.

In his address, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed to the grouping to “fight for a world that works for all.” Guterres noted that “although these countries have lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty in recent decades, they are now facing myriad crises, with rising poverty and hunger, rocketing prices, soaring debt, and surging climate disasters.” He said that “global systems and frameworks have let you down. The conclusion is clear: the world is failing developing countries.”

He further said: “change will require action at the national level to ensure good governance, mobilize resources, and prioritize sustainable development. At the same time, this national ownership will have to be respected.” Guterres pointed out that the world “needs climate justice as it needs financial justice.” He said: “Developed countries must deliver the promised $100 billion, double adaptation finance by 2025, and recapitalize the Green Climate Fund.  Every person on earth must be protected by an early warning system by 2027 against natural disasters.” 

Guterres expressed hope that “next week’s  Climate Ambition Summit, taking place at UN Headquarters in New York, will be able to drive real progress.” He also called for “countries meeting at the COP28 UN climate conference this November to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund, which the G77 and China have championed.” In his speech, the Secretary-General noted that he has proposed “measures to make the global financial architecture more representative and responsive to the needs of developing countries.”  He also “proposed an SDG Stimulus that would provide $500 billion annually in affordable long-term finance for sustainable development and climate action in developing countries. “

India and China: Uneasy Partners

India and China, the two prominent Asian nations, are key members of several international groupings, including BRICS, G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and more. Despite recent tensions and border conflicts, as well as differing views on initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Sino-Pak strategic partnership, India and China are anticipated to collaborate on numerous global matters. However, their alignment diverges significantly on issues concerning Western countries and China’s international partners. These disparities in perception and positions between the two nations were notably evident during the G77 summit.

Li Xi, a member of China’s Communist Party Central Committee and a special representative of President Xi Jinping, emphasized the significance of South-South cooperation at the G77 and China Summit. He stated that this cooperation is not just a temporary measure for China but a strategic choice. China, despite its development, sees itself as part of the Global South and remains committed to it. Li noted that the world is experiencing unprecedented changes, with developing countries gaining strength, causing a shift in the global power balance. South-South cooperation has grown significantly in terms of both quantity and quality. In the past 20 years, emerging markets and developing nations have contributed to 80 percent of global economic growth, now accounting for over 40 percent of global GDP, compared to 24 percent four decades ago. This cooperation plays a crucial role in supporting the collective progress of developing countries and global economic growth.

However, Li also pointed out the rise of unilateralism and hegemonism, with some countries resorting to practices like unilateral sanctions, trade barriers, decoupling, and disruptions of supply chains. These actions harm the development rights and interests of developing nations and hinder their space for growth. “Today, China provides development assistance to more than 160 countries, joins hands with more than 150 countries in building the Belt and Road, and works with over 100 countries and international organizations to advance the GDI, according to Li Xi. He noted that “China set up a Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund with a total funding of $4 billion, and Chinese financial institutions would soon set up a special fund of $10 billion dedicated to the implementation of the GDI. This is a further contribution by China to helping other developing countries address difficulties and challenges and achieve common development.” 

Sanjay Varma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized India’s focus on the developing world during its G20 Presidency. He said India hosted a Voice of the Global South Summit involving 125 states, leading to the New Delhi G20 leaders Declaration. It prioritized Global South concerns in the G20, such as reaching an agreement on more effective Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and a debt relief framework for Zambia, Ghana, and Ethiopia. The Capital Adequacy Framework (CAF) recommendations could boost MDB lending by $200 billion over a decade to help developing countries in fiscal distress. Varma highlighted India’s pride in having Africa represented by the African Union in the G20 for the first time, thanks to PM Modi’s efforts. This increased representation from the developing world, including the G77, in the G20. Varma noted that with political will, multilateralism can be reformed. India’s approach involves using science, technology, and innovation in policy interventions, resulting in 415 million Indians escaping poverty over 15 years. India is now the world’s fifth-largest economy and a significant contributor to global growth.

Varma outlined three key points for the G77: 1) The G77 should maintain unity on economic and developmental challenges at the UN, avoiding distraction by bilateral issues. 2) Unity and consensus should be reinforced within the Group, with the Chair’s ruling being the exception rather than the norm. Working methods should be credible, open, consultative, and transparent. 3) The G77 has nearly doubled in size since 1964, and Varma suggested considering a name change that better reflects its numerical strength and influence at the United Nations.

The G77+China Summit concluded with a significant Final Declaration which highlighted three key points:

  1. Reforming the International Economic System: The G77 emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the international financial system. They called for a more inclusive and coordinated approach to global financial governance, with increased representation for developing countries in global decision-making and policy-making bodies. The objective is to improve developing nations’ access to and utilization of science, technology, and innovation.
  2. Critique of “Digital Monopolies” and Unfair Practices: The declaration criticized “digital monopolies” and other unjust practices that hinder technological progress in developing countries. It stressed the importance of addressing these issues to bridge the digital divide.
  3. Opposition to Sanctions and Coercive Actions: The G77 voiced its opposition to the imposition of “sanctions” and “coercive economic actions” on developing nations. Such measures were seen as undermining international principles and impeding economic and social development, especially in developing regions.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasized the summit’s significance, given the participation of leaders from two-thirds of UN member states and 80% of the global population. He called for concerted efforts to reform the international system and promote democratization. This summit holds importance as it allows Global South countries to align their positions ahead of the 78th UN General Assembly, where they can collectively influence global matters. Furthermore, it showcased Cuba’s diplomatic prowess despite facing a longstanding blockade by the United States.  

While India and China have bilateral issues and varying perceptions on certain strategic matters, are there opportunities for cooperation on a broader global stage, such as G77 and G20? Certainly, both nations, as influential members of various international forums, have the capacity to come together to address shared global challenges. But can India and China find common ground and work collaboratively to contribute positively to global affairs, fostering stability and prosperity for the benefit of all Global South countries? 


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Armenia PM: We received reliable information on plans to allow exit … – Armenia News


Armenia PM: We received reliable information on plans to allow exit …  Armenia News

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Iran in Contact with Armenia, Azerbaijan to Ease Tensions – Tasnim News Agency


Iran in Contact with Armenia, Azerbaijan to Ease Tensions  Tasnim News Agency

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‘Decisive steps by Armenia critical for cooperation in South Caucasus’


The normalization and regional cooperation processes among Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Armenia in the South Caucasus depend on the decisive steps to be taken by the administration in Yerevan, experts said amid the renewed tensions in the Karabakh region, underlining the lack of trust among regional actors.

While the ongoing diplomatic negotiations for a permanent peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the ongoing normalization process between Türkiye and Armenia have recently harbored a positive atmosphere in the region, they also heralded the steps of comprehensive regional cooperation. However, as a result of the recent increase in tension in the Karabakh region, Armenia-Azerbaijan relations have turned hostile again. Türkiye has adopted a discursive position on the side of Azerbaijan and against Armenia.

Ümit Nazmi Hazır, a political scientist at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, basically listed three problems for the renewal of tensions in the region: the unresolved border disputes, the role of Russian peacekeepers and the ongoing presence of Armenian forces.

He stated that there are still uncertainties over the determination of borders in the region. Moreover, Hazır said that Russian peacekeepers are still deployed in these disputed regions and have no intention to leave soon. “This leads Armenian forces to stay there and to attack Azerbaijani forces in areas under the responsibility of Russian peacekeepers.”

According to the agreement signed after the Karabakh war in 2020, Armenian forces had to withdraw from the specified areas in the Karabakh region and surrounding territories, noted Tutku Dilaver, an analyst at the Ankara-based Eurasian Studies Center (AVIM).

“After the withdrawal of Armenian forces from some regions, Azerbaijan even started settlement and infrastructure works in the Aghdam area. However, we see that there are still conflicts in the region. We first saw that the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia was beyond Aghdam, around the village of Farux, near Khojaly. A timetable and planning for the evacuation of this area were not included in the Nov. 9 agreement. Then we saw that the clashes took place in the regions south of Karabakh.”

According to Dilaver, these conflicts are a result of a similar situation. Accordingly, the Khojavend district and its surrounding areas were captured by Azerbaijan during the 2020 war and they were not included in a specific article of the agreement.

“Therefore, we see here from time to time that the Armenian forces clashed with the Azerbaijani forces. We understand that especially the illegal Armenian administration in Karabakh wants to turn the Nov. 9 agreement in their favor. Also, the events that took place on the Lachin line in recent days also shed light on the Armenian side’s desire to interpret the deal in its favor.”

As Dilaver noted, Article 4 of the deal stated that “Russian peacekeepers would be deployed in parallel with the withdrawal of Armenian forces.” Article 6 also stated that “The Lachin corridor will guarantee the connection of Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and at the same time remain under the control of the Russian Federation peacekeepers, without affecting Shusha.”

“The interpretation of the illegal administration in Karabakh to these articles is as follows: Article 4 concerns the withdrawal of Armenian armed forces only from places where Russian peacekeepers will be located, not from the whole of Karabakh. Peace forces have not yet settled on the entire Lachin line. This is not possible as this is a large area. Therefore, Armenian soldiers must be present in order to protect the rights of Karabakh Armenians in places where peacekeepers are not settled. This interpretation actually shows us clearly why the conflicts are intensifying.”

Relations between the two former Soviet countries have been tense since 1991 when the Armenian military occupied Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions. New clashes erupted in September 2020 and the 44-day conflict saw Azerbaijan liberate several cities and more than 300 settlements and villages that were occupied by Armenia for almost 30 years. Türkiye was a key backer of Azerbaijan during the 44-day Nagorno-Karabakh war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which erupted on Sept. 27, 2020, and ended with a Russian-brokered cease-fire and sizeable Azerbaijani gains on Nov. 10.

Azerbaijan last week announced that it has regained control of several strategic locations in the Karabakh region. Tensions have flared since an Azerbaijani soldier was killed in an Armenian firing in the border region of Lachin, pushing Baku to launch a retaliatory operation against Armenian forces in Karabakh. Azerbaijan has repeatedly pointed to Armenia’s failure to meet the provisions of the 2020 agreement signed by the two nations plus Russia, drawing particular attention to how Armenian armed groups have not yet pulled out of Azerbaijani territories in Karabakh.

Delay in cooperation process

Dilaver underlined that the attitude of the Armenian administration in Stepanakert (Khankendi) is responsible for the recent developments that negatively affect the process between Türkiye-Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“Azerbaijan wants to gain full control of its territory and complete its infrastructure investments and include the region in the economy and life of Azerbaijan. For the Lachin corridor, the construction of the road to Khankendi, bypassing Shusha, was also started. However, it is seen that the Armenian rulers, who were the head of the illegal administration in Karabakh, did their best to complicate this situation.”

Dilaver also specified the impact of the Armenian diaspora in Europe as another factor. As she explained, the relations between Russia and Europe were heavily damaged due to the Ukraine war and this also affected the meditation efforts on the relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“A duality arose in the process. While Russia is on the ground as a peacekeeping force, we see that the EU is trying to be at the table. However, there is a strong diaspora that seriously affects the EU’s perspective on the situation. The political atmosphere created by the diaspora gives strength to the illegal rule in Khankendi.”

According to Hazır, these recent developments will cause a delay in the processes of normalization and cooperation.

“Armenia wants to gain more time. Also, the opposition in Armenia is against the process and this opposition affects domestic politics, making things hard for the (Armenian Prime Minister Nikol) Pashinian government to take steps.”

As Hazır stated, there is a correlation between the situation in Karabakh and the Türkiye-Armenia normalization process, which is negatively affected by recent incidents.

‘Mutual trust needed’

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said last week that the international community “unfortunately” kept silent when Azerbaijani territories were occupied by Armenia until the fall of 2020, when with Turkish help, Azerbaijan took back its land.

“To put an end to this injustice, the support of Türkiye was given to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. Thanks to an epic struggle that lasted for 44 days, Karabakh regained its freedom, and the 30-year occupation came to an end,” he said, referring to the fall 2020 conflict.

“With the agreements reached, a new era started in the South Caucasus. We are working hard to ensure that this historic opportunity is not wasted.”

Türkiye and Armenia have since taken “important steps” toward peace in the Caucasus, and have appointed representatives to normalize ties, Erdoğan said.

“I believe that our region will be stabilized in a short time if Armenia reads the developments correctly and responds to the sincere calls of Azerbaijan and Türkiye,” he added.

On last week’s flare-up of violence between the Caucasus nations of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu also said Türkiye “once again warns Armenia not to engage in new provocations.”

Since the war ended, Ankara has made frequent calls for a six-nation platform comprising Türkiye, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia for permanent peace, stability and cooperation in the region, saying it would be a win-win initiative for all regional actors in the Caucasus. Türkiye believes that permanent peace is possible through mutual security-based cooperation among the states and people of the South Caucasus region.

Hazır also said that this whole situation can be read as a conflict between Türkiye and Russia. Accordingly, Russia wants this conflict to remain unresolved because it expands its influence area in the region as long as the uncertainty continues. On the other hand, Türkiye wants a solution and improved regional cooperation.

“Finally, the impact of these conflicts on the regional cooperation process and the developments among the actors in the region depends on the decisive steps to be taken by the administration in Yerevan. There is a distrust among the regional actors stemming from history. In order to take steps that will shape the future of the region together, mutual trust must first be established. This is an issue that requires attention and time in itself,” Dilaver finally said.

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Azerbaijan says 6 killed in Karabakh mine blasts


Four Azerbaijani police officers and two civilians were killed in separate mine blasts in the region of Karabakh, Azerbaijan said on Tuesday and blamed “sabotage groups” as tensions with Armenia escalate.

Security services said two men died early in the morning in the Khodzhavenskiy district. They added that four police officers were killed on their way to the site when their vehicle hit “a mine laid on a tunnel road under construction by illegal Armenian armed groups.”

An investigation is underway into these terrorist groups, the state security service said.

The incident raised the number of people who lost their lives due to the explosion of mines, laid by Armenian forces after the Second Karabakh War, to 61. According to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, clearing mines planted by Armenia on occupied Azerbaijani territories will take nearly 30 years and cost $25 billion.

The standoff between Azerbaijan and Armenia has been steadily heating up despite ongoing talks over a long-term peace agreement.

Earlier on Monday, Baku demanded Armenia immediately withdraw its armed forces from Karabakh and abolish the military and administrative structure of the so-called regime in the region.

Karabakh is a longstanding source of strain between the neighbors, which fought two wars over it – first in the early 1990s and again in 2020 when Azerbaijan liberated several cities, villages and settlements from illegal Armenian occupation during 44 days of clashes. The war ended with a Russia-brokered peace agreement and Moscow deployed a peacekeeping contingent to oversee it.

Currently, there is an escalation on the line of contact, shelling of positions and a buildup of military personnel on both sides. Azerbaijan and Armenia have accused each other of violating the agreement.

Especially since last December, the blockade of the Lachin corridor – the only land route connecting Karabakh to Armenia – has been the source of strain and left nearly a dozen people dead on both sides.

In a special briefing for diplomats on the current situation in Karabakh, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said that despite Azerbaijani efforts through international partners, Armenia and the so-called regime established on Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory continue to harm the normalization process and reject all proposals to reduce tensions.

The ministry argued that the recent holding of “presidential elections” in the region was a provocative act.

There are more than 10,000 Armenian armed forces loyal to the so-called regime in Karabakh, it said, adding that the forces have over 100 tanks and other armored vehicles, more than 200 heavy artillery weapons, including volley rocket systems, and more than 200 mortar systems.

It added that Armenian forces have violated the tripartite declaration signed on Nov. 10, 2020, and Yerevan is preparing for a new attack.

Like every country in the world, Azerbaijan has the right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity according to international law, the ministry noted.

It urged Armenia to stop its military activities, give up its “plans for revenge,” stop violating Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stop supporting separatism and terrorism in the Karabakh region.

According to Baku, Yerevan’s insistence on financing troops in the disputed territory in violation of the 2020 peace treaty is “proof of their objection to the reintegration of Karabakh’s ethnic Armenians into Azerbaijan, which is because they still have irredentist claims on sovereign Azerbaijani territory.”

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