The Azeri Herald

16/06/2024

As the sordid revelations rapidly metastasize, a growing cloud of suspicion hangs over Hajiyev’s future. While he seemingly retains the powerful President Ilham Aliyev’s backing for now, the intensifying litany of credible-seeming allegations has the potential to destabilize dynamics within Azerbaijan’s government power structure.

In the ongoing coverage of explosive allegations against Hikmet Hajiyev, the influential presidential assistant on foreign policy to Azerbaijan’s leader Ilham Aliyev, a new video from the Azad Soz YouTube channel has significantly raised the stakes. The channel’s operator, Azeri blogger Tural Sa...

14/06/2024

In response to The Azeri Herald’s pointed questions, the FFO provided a statement attributable to an unnamed spokesperson. The statement reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and acknowledged “with concern allegations of corruption and the restrictions of fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan.” However, it did not directly address whether the specific allegations against Bayramov or his delegation members were raised during his visit.

In a recent exchange that highlights the delicate balance between diplomatic engagement and ethical governance, the German Federal Foreign Office (FFO) has provided a carefully worded response to inquiries about corruption allegations swirling around Azerbaijan’s foreign policy establishment. The ...

10/06/2024

The investigation revealed that construction firms implementing major reconstruction projects worth millions in the recently regained Azerbaijani territories of Shusha and Aghdam in the Karabakh region are owned by Rafiyev’s brother Muzadil. These companies were allegedly awarded the contracts without having to go through required tender processes.

Another top Azerbaijani government official is facing serious corruption allegations, just weeks after Presidential Assistant Hikmat Hajiyev was hit with claims of nepotism and mismanagement. Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Foreign Minister and Azerbaijan’s chief negotiator for COP29 which the country is ...

05/06/2024

In a third response to The Azeri Herald’s inquiries on Hajiyev, the U.S. Department of State (DoS) addressed the issue of failed US messages to higher Azeri authorities about jailed dissidents. The DoS reiterated its deep concern over Azerbaijan’s human rights situation, especially the arrests of civil society members. The DoS urged the Azerbaijani government to “immediately release all individuals who are unjustly detained and to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all, including those exercising freedom of expression.”

In the shadowy corridors of power in Baku, a complex web of influence, nepotism, and alleged corruption is unraveling, compelling the U.S. State Department to respond. At the heart of this unfolding drama is Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the Azerbaijani President, whose recent meetings with senior U....

01/06/2024

Sadigly’s exposé, which delved into the intricacies of the dispute and its implications for SOCAR’s operations, was met with fierce backlash. Media outlets, purportedly aligned with Hikmat Hajiyev, have launched a barrage of attacks against the blogger, accusing him of accepting bribes from Azerbaijani government officials to undermine their rivals. These allegations seem to imply that Sadigly’s true target is Hajiyev himself.

In a startling turn of events, Tural Sadigly, a popular blogger and host of the widely-followed YouTube channel Azad Soz (Free Speech) based in Europe, has found himself at the center of a media storm after disclosing an internal quarrel between top executives at the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan....

31/05/2024

These incidents coincide with Azerbaijan hosting COP 29, a major global climate and environment event. Critics argue that some Azerbaijani officials are using the occasion to promote their own image and interests rather than addressing climate problems. Azerbaijan, an oil-based economy, is not known for prioritizing environmental issues.

Reports from media and social network accounts indicate that a journalist and animal rights activist were assaulted in Gabala, a northern town in Azerbaijan. Concurrently, an economist was detained by police in Baku without any charges being declared against him. The journalist, Fatima Movlamli, was...

27/05/2024

Azad Soz reports that Huseynova, appointed shortly after her husband’s promotion, has publicly declared she will not accept any reproach from Najaf, seemingly leveraging her husband’s influential position.

According to the popular Azeri YouTube channel Azad Soz, a significant quarrel has erupted within SOCAR, the state oil company of Azerbaijan. The conflict involves SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf and Aygun Huseynova, the head of the company’s communication department and wife of presidential aide Hi...

17/05/2024

The allegation seems peculiar given Azerbaijan’s geographical and historical detachment from New Caledonia. Baku’s motivation is said to exert pressure on France to cease its military support to Armenia, Azerbaijan’s long-standing rival.

In an unexpected geopolitical twist, France has publicly accused Azerbaijan of supporting separatist movements in New Caledonia, a French overseas territory. This surprising development, announced by French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, has escalated tensions between the two nations and added ...

11/05/2024

Corrupt foreign policy officials of Azerbaijan, a small nation grappling with deep-rooted socio-economic issues exacerbated by recent conflicts with neighboring Armenia, have found an unexpected arena for image-polishing: climate activism. The hosting of COP29, a prestigious global event addressing climate change, is cynically leveraged by them as a stage for self-promotion rather than genuine environmental stewardship.

In the realm of ethical journalism and responsible media representation, recent actions by The Observer, a British newspaper, a sister paper to The Guardian, stand as a stark reminder of the perilous dance between access and accountability. The decision to provide a platform for individuals like Hik...

07/05/2024

The U.S. Embassy in Baku and the State Department were contacted for comment on Libby’s contradictory behavior and the discussions around USAID’s activities in Azerbaijan, but no response was received at the time of publishing. Some Western media networks, organizations and governments, such as RFE/RL, the EU, and the US, continue to evade media queries while otherwise widely proclaiming transparency, freedom of the press, and open government principles.

When U.S. Ambassador Mark Libby made comments last week about not wanting to visit Azerbaijan’s recaptured territories like Shusha just to be part of a “show,” it raised eyebrows in the corridors of power. According to one thoery, his remarks were interpreted as a subtle rebuke of Hikmat Hajiy...

07/05/2024

The leaked documents, released in 2020 by Azerbaijani journalist Javanshir Hasanli shortly before Mammadyarov’s dismissal, appear to show that his two sons purchased two multi-million dollar apartments in Manhattan, New York with funds of unknown origin.

Despite damning documents alleging corruption, former Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has strongly denied any wrongdoing in a recent interview with the local news website modern.az. The leaked documents, released in 2020 by Azerbaijani journalist Javanshir Hasanli shortly before Mamma...

01/05/2024

Aliyev’s challenges are magnified by the pervasive corruption and administrative inefficiencies within Azerbaijan’s diplomatic framework. Allegations suggest that the country’s foreign service is rife with ineptitude, tainted by graft, nepotism, and cronyism. Both Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and foreign policy advisor Hikmat Hajiyev serve as notable examples of this systemic issue. Despite widespread concerns, the hesitance of certain Western politicians, media outlets, and organizations to confront the corruption allegations against Bayramov and Hajiyev weakens the pressure on them, providing Aliyev with little incentive to replace them.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev faced a series of challenges both internally and externally during his recent visit to Germany to participate in the St. Petersburg Dialogue event. As the host country for the upcoming COP-29, Azerbaijan’s human rights record and corruption concerns overshadowed ...

27/04/2024

The West appears divided in their approach and engagement with Azerbaijan and its officials involved in corruption. While the US Congress and European Parliament mull sanctions and adopt resolutions accusing Azerbaijan of mismanagement and alleged poor human rights records, the US-funded RFE/RL and EU officials, along with the Czech government, engage with them while refusing to comment on the rationale or provide information on whether the corruption allegations were raised.

The Czech Republic’s Foreign Ministry and the Office of the Prime Minister have remained tight-lipped after failing to respond to inquiries from The Azeri Herald regarding their recent engagement with Azerbaijani officials facing serious allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and self-enrichmen...

25/04/2024

Concerns have been raised regarding alleged human rights violations in Azerbaijan, prompting questions about the factors being considered in these deliberations. However, Lorez-Schweig clarified that the Committee of Ministers is not actively engaged in discussions between PACE and Azerbaijani authorities, thus unable to provide specific insights.

In the midst of ongoing deliberations regarding the restoration of voting rights for the Azerbaijani delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the Liechtenstein Presidency has emphasized the need for a cautious and sensitive approach. Responding to queries from The He...

23/04/2024

According to the proposed legislation, which targets 40 Azerbaijani government officials, including military, security personnel, and judges, individuals allegedly involved in acts of torture and other unlawful behaviors will face sanctions. However, specific details regarding the accusations against each listed official are yet to be fully elucidated.

Reports emerging from journalist Alekper Raufoglu on social media indicate that the US Congress is poised to introduce the Azerbaijan Sanctions Review Act of 2024. This bill aims to address alleged human rights violations and the erosion of the rule of law within Azerbaijan. According to the propose...

21/04/2024

Despite numerous emails requesting comment, RFERL’s Azeri service and central headquarters have refused to explain their editorial criteria or due diligence in giving a prominent platform to Mammadyarov. The silence persists despite RFERL’s lofty mission “to promote democratic values and hold power to account.”

In a deeply troubling pattern, two prominent international institutions have stonewalled The Azeri Herald’s inquiries about their rationale for providing prestigious platforms to former and current Azerbaijani officials dogged by serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement. US-funded broad...

18/04/2024

Azerbaijan’s main problem now is its corrupt and inept diplomatic corps dominated by self-serving figures like Hikmat Hajiyev and Jeyhun Bayramov, who are unlikely to properly counsel President Ilham Aliyev on repairing these Western ties damaged by overly aggressive policies.

Russia has announced it is withdrawing its peacekeeping forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, which it had deployed there since 2019 to enforce a ceasefire between Armenian and Azerbaijani military forces following two wars over the territory. In the first Nagorno-Karabakh war after...

14/04/2024

Azerbaijan’s own diplomatic missteps and overall unprofessionalism have also played a role in worsening the situation. The Azerbaijani envoy in Iran has been criticized for insensitive actions, such as meeting foreign diplomats before presenting credentials and mishandling security processes at the embassy.

Iran’s recent drone and missile attacks targeting Israel have significant security and policy implications for Azerbaijan, a country caught between its close cooperation with Israel and its powerful neighbor Iran. Azerbaijan’s military ties with Israel, including the supply of Israeli hi-tech dr...

13/04/2024

Mammadyarov’s tenure was plagued by numerous allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and human rights violations against diplomatic staff within the ministry. Critics have raised concerns about the apparent disregard for these serious allegations by RFE/RL when amplifying Mammadyarov’s perspective.

The RFE/RL Azerbaijani service has come under scrutiny for its frequent highlighting of Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijan’s former foreign minister from 2004-2019, as an authoritative voice in its coverage of foreign affairs and human rights issues. Mammadyarov’s tenure was plagued by numerous alleg...

13/04/2024

Azerbaijan’s perceived shortcomings in diplomacy are also seen as an obstacle to achieving lasting peace. Critics point to alleged corruption and a weak diplomatic approach that fails to complement Azerbaijan’s recent military victory.

The United States is bolstering its security cooperation with Armenia, underscoring concerns about the fragile peace following the recent war with Azerbaijan. In an interview with RFE/RL, US Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien highlighted “very active and robust” discussions on defense between ...

10/04/2024

The announcement has put Azerbaijan in a challenging diplomatic quandary. While the country enjoys close relations with Turkey as an ally, it has also benefited from crucial military hardware supplies from Israel during its recent war with Armenia to recapture occupied territories, including Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan finds itself precariously positioned between allies Turkey and Israel after the Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, announced trade restrictions with Israel over its military operation in Gaza. The move comes as a protest against Israel’s actions, which have resulted in thousands of ...

08/04/2024

The ministry cited hosting the COP29 U.N. climate conference in Baku in 2024 as the rationale for commenting on the unrelated Thunberg incident. However, climate change has never been a top priority for oil-dependent Azerbaijan, making the statement largely irrelevant. The move seems particularly ill-advised given Azerbaijan’s heavy criticism from human rights groups over the detention of dissidents.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry’s deeply unprofessional and confrontational behavior continues to damage the country’s reputation on the world stage. In the latest misstep, the ministry bizarrely expressed concerns over the brief detention of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg by Dutch pol...

04/04/2024

This latest exchange indicates the corruption and incompetence within Azeri diplomacy, as corrupt foreign policy establishment pushed the president into a hard and complicated geopolitical and diplomatic dispute. This has left Azerbaijan isolated against the USA and EU-friendly Armenia, backed militarily by France.

Azerbaijan finds itself embroiled in a tense diplomatic standoff as it protests against an upcoming summit involving Armenia, the USA, and the EU. The Azerbaijani government fears that such a gathering could reignite tensions with Armenia, potentially undoing the recent military gains made by Azerba...

29/03/2024

In a recent publication, the Chinese Global Times newspaper featured an interview with Hikmat Hajiyev, the foreign policy advisor to the President of Azerbaijan. The interview, while carefully constructed, portrays Hajiyev’s enthusiastic discourse on enhancing relations and cooperation with China. Hajiyev boldly claims China as a friendly nation, suggesting Azerbaijan’s readiness to align closely with China’s development path, even citing the use of Huawei products (a claim that appears dubious).

In a recent publication, the Chinese Global Times newspaper featured an interview with Hikmat Hajiyev, the foreign policy advisor to the President of Azerbaijan. The interview, while carefully constructed, portrays Hajiyev’s enthusiastic discourse on enhancing relations and cooperation with China....

29/03/2024

This exchange adds to concerns about Azerbaijan’s increasingly confrontational stance towards the West, particularly the EU. Critics point to recent incidents as evidence of potential foreign policy mismanagement.

Tensions between Azerbaijan and the European Union flared online after Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, urged peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the region. Klaar specifically condemned threats against Armenia appearing in Azerbaijani media, highlighting...

25/03/2024

Azerbaijan finds itself increasingly isolated on the international stage due to a series of diplomatic missteps and the controversial influence of presidential advisor Hikmat Hajiyev.

Recent blunders, such as a misspelling in an important X (formerly Twitter) message during Hajiyev’s China visit and a protocol gaffe where Azerbaijani flags were absent at a meeting with the Pakistani envoy, have brought ridicule. These incidents highlight Azerbaijan’s struggle to gracefully pivot its foreign policy focus eastward and away from the West.

Critics argue Hajiyev and his associates are manipulating state resources, including media and funding, to pursue reckless diplomatic endeavors driven more by personal career ambitions than professional statecraft. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov is viewed as lacking the competence and influence to shape an effective foreign policy course.

Azerbaijan’s combative stance toward the West, particularly France which announced significant military aid to Armenia, risks alienating major powers. This confrontational approach jeopardizes efforts for sustainable peace in the wake of Azerbaijan’s military offensive regaining Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023.

While achieving a military victory, experts caution Azerbaijan’s inept foreign policy could undermine its long-term interests. The nation risks pariah status, hindering prospects for lasting regional stability and economic prosperity.

Compounding matters, France has further solidified defense ties with Armenia, actively seeking to counterbalance Azerbaijan’s military influence. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal accused Russia of planning to “punish” Armenia for aligning with the West, further inflaming tensions.

As Azerbaijan turns away from the West toward Asia, its inept diplomacy under Hajiyev’s sway has unnecessarily damaged ties with European powers like France. The mismanaged pivot has awkwardly courted states like China and Pakistan, while provoking confrontation instead of constructive engagement.

With the Caucasus region increasingly volatile, Azerbaijan’s diplomatic missteps risk escalating conflicts rather than resolving them. The nation’s ability to safeguard its interests hinges on measured statecraft and responsible leadership – commodities sorely lacking under the current foreign policy officials in Baku.

22/03/2024

During a recent interview with Azerbaijan State Information Agency AZERTAC, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the significance of Azerbaijan’s partnership with the Alliance, highlighting its pivotal role in regional security and energy cooperation.

Stoltenberg commended Azerbaijan’s longstanding collaboration with NATO over the past three decades, particularly its contributions to NATO-led missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan. He lauded the professionalism and dedication of Azerbaijani soldiers, noting their crucial role in safeguarding the Kabul airport during the evacuation efforts in Afghanistan.

One of the focal points of the discussion was Azerbaijan’s strategic importance in ensuring energy security for NATO allies, especially amidst Russia’s use of natural gas as a political tool. Stoltenberg underscored Azerbaijan’s role in diversifying energy sources for NATO members, reducing dependency on Russian gas supplies, and expressed NATO’s support for increasing imports of Azerbaijani gas.

Addressing the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Stoltenberg stressed the urgency of achieving lasting peace in the region, acknowledging President Ilham Aliyev’s optimism regarding the prospects for a peace agreement. However, he also warned of the broader implications of the conflict, emphasizing the importance of regional stability for international peace and security.

The interview comes amid Stoltenberg’s tour of the South Caucasus, where he also visited Armenia and Georgia. In Armenia, he commended the country’s contributions to NATO operations and reiterated NATO’s support for Armenian sovereignty and territorial integrity. Stoltenberg urged both Armenia and Azerbaijan to work towards a durable peace settlement, emphasizing the potential risks of further escalation in the region.

Stoltenberg’s visit to the South Caucasus has drawn criticism from Russia, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accusing NATO of seeking to gain a foothold in the region. However, Stoltenberg reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to supporting its partners in the face of external threats, including Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

As tensions persist in the South Caucasus, NATO’s engagement with Azerbaijan underscores the Alliance’s efforts to enhance regional security and strengthen partnerships in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. However, Azerbaijan’s complicated relationship with Western countries, especially organizations such as the Council of Europe and European Union, and its inept and corruption-ridden diplomatic service and officials, further complicate the situation. The complex dynamics of the region, including Armenia’s Western-oriented policy and the conflict with Azerbaijan, pose significant challenges for NATO’s efforts to strike a balance in the region.

In the context of Armenia’s alignment with Western interests and Azerbaijan’s delicate position vis-à-vis Russia, achieving a comprehensive and sustainable peace settlement remains a formidable task for NATO and its partners in the South Caucasus. As Stoltenberg’s visit highlights, navigating these complexities will require continued dialogue, cooperation, and diplomatic efforts to address the underlying causes of conflict and promote stability in the region.

18/03/2024

In a dramatic turn of events, Azeri blogger Bakhtiyar Hajiyev confessed to smuggling charges against him, implicating high-ranking officials in the process. During a hearing at the Baku Heavy Crime Court, Hajiyev disclosed that he had imported goods worth one million Azeri manat (approximately $500,000 USD) from abroad with the assistance of Hikmat Hajiyev (not related), a presidential advisor, as revealed by Rufat Safarov, a human rights defender, in a post on his social media account.

This latest revelation adds to a series of serious allegations against Hikmat Hajiyev, including corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement. Despite facing such accusations in the past, Hajiyev has evaded consequences, thanks in part to his close proximity to President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. His influential position grants him significant opportunities to manipulate information critical of him, thus shielding himself and his associates from scrutiny.

It is unlikely that the court will thoroughly investigate Bakhtiyar Hajiyev’s allegations against Hikmat Hajiyev, given the Azerbaijani courts’ history of subservience to powerful officials like him. Internal sources suggest that serious allegations involving Hikmat Hajiyev have been routinely dismissed by administrative, appeal, and high courts in Azerbaijan, often citing suspicious statutes of limitations.

Recent reports from foreign media outlet France 24 have further shed light on Hikmat Hajiyev’s influence, suggesting his involvement in campaigns against several countries in Azerbaijani media. The smuggling allegations imply that Hajiyev’s illicit influence extends beyond foreign relations, media, and NGOs, which he officially and unofficially controls. It raises concerns that Hajiyev may also have the ability to bypass customs and border service agencies, which are ostensibly under the control of more powerful officials such as Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and head of border troops Elchin Quliyev.

Unconfirmed reports circulating within the government suggest that Hikmat Hajiyev and his faction may enjoy the support of Baylar Eyyubov, a powerful head of the presidential guard.

As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen if the influence of high-ranking officials can develop to the point of challenging the power of President Aliyev.

15/03/2024

The European Parliament has adopted a scathing resolution criticizing Azerbaijan’s actions and calling for stronger ties with Armenia, in a move that further strains relations between Baku and Western organizations.

In a resounding denouncement, the European Parliament condemned Azerbaijan’s military incursions in Nagorno-Karabakh, describing the displacement of over 100,000 Armenians as tantamount to “ethnic cleansing.” Furthermore, the resolution called for the immediate release of former Nagorno-Karabakh separatist leaders currently detained by Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan rejects the allegations of “etnic cleansing”.

The resolution also underscored Armenia’s potential as a candidate country for EU membership, urging the exploration of a robust partnership that could pave the way for closer integration with the EU’s single market. This endorsement of Armenia’s democratic credentials and reform efforts signals a significant shift in EU policy towards the region.

Criticism of Azerbaijan’s behavior was unequivocal in the resolution, which explicitly condemned the country’s military actions and rejected any rhetoric threatening Armenia’s territorial integrity. The European Parliament warned against further “military adventurism,” emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region.

The adoption of this resolution represents yet another diplomatic setback for Azerbaijan, following the recent stripping of its delegation’s voting rights at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Azerbaijan’s foreign policy trajectory faces considerable challenges, exacerbated by the controversial actions of key figures like Hikmat Hajiyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, who face allegations of careerism, mismanagement, and corruption.

While the resolution falls short of imposing immediate sanctions, it sends a clear message that the EU stands ready to take action against any threats to Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As tensions escalate, the EU’s decisive stance is likely to further isolate Azerbaijan’s leadership and strain the country’s relations with Europe. The resolution underscores growing concerns over Azerbaijan’s diplomatic conduct and signals a shift towards closer cooperation with Armenia, marking a significant development in the geopolitics of the region.