The week of 31 June – 4 August saw Russian opinion on Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, another party denied registration and Gubad Ibadoglu’s house arrest request rejected.
Russian diplomat: “Azerbaijan and Armenia unready for peace treaty”
Denis Gonchar, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs director, stated that Azerbaijan and Armenia are not yet ready to finalize a peace treaty due to unresolved issues. Key among them is ensuring the safety and rights of the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh within Azerbaijan’s legal system. Russia is one of the parties trying to assist both countries in preparing the peace agreement.
Azerbaijan’s former foreign minister, Tofig Zulfugarov, downplayed Russia’s role, stating the matter is now internal to Azerbaijan, and Moscow seeks to maintain influence with statements of support for either side.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan acknowledged the difficulty of achieving peace and emphasized the need for consistent efforts. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that no territorial claims against Armenia exist. Negotiations continue to address outstanding issues for a lasting resolution.
Justice Party faces member record errors amid controversial new legislation
The Justice Party in Azerbaijan faces hurdles as the Ministry of Justice points out errors in 2,000 of its member records out of a total of 6,200. Mistakes in names, dates of birth, and phone numbers need fixing, and the party aims to rectify the issues within a month.
The Justice Party, chaired by former Justice Minister Ilyas Ismayilov, has a history of political engagement since its founding in 1993. However, recent changes in the “On Political Parties” law have made party registration more stringent, leading to uncertainties for many political groups, including the Justice Party.
As political parties continue to leave Azerbaijan due to the new law’s requirements, the future of the Justice Party remains uncertain. The party’s leadership faces challenges in meeting the demands of the legislation and securing its place among the country’s registered political entities. The new legislation has been amply criticized in the country, and there have been protests against its provisions.
Ibadoglu denied house arrest despite health concerns and cooperation pledges
Gubad Ibadoglu, the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Democracy and Welfare Party (ADR) and a prominent professor at the London School of Economic and Political Sciences found his bid for house arrest rejected by the Narimanov District Court. Despite Ibadoglu’s assurances of full cooperation with the ongoing investigation, the court ruled against his release, raising concerns about his well-being and rights.
During the closed court session, Ibadoglu spoke about the adverse impact of solitary confinement on his health and scientific work. His lawyer presented medical records indicating pre-existing health conditions, including diabetes and blood pressure problems, which have reportedly worsened due to detention conditions. The court’s decision not to grant house arrest has intensified worries about Ibadoglu’s health and his access to proper medical care. Moreover, the party chairman’s passport remains at the embassy due to paperwork, hindering his ability to attend an upcoming international think tank meeting in China.
Faced with the denial of house arrest, Ibadoglu’s lawyer announced plans to file an appeal, seeking better conditions for his client during the investigation. As calls for fair treatment and respect for Ibadoglu’s rights grow, the case remains under close scrutiny both domestically and internationally.
