Azerbaijan News: From Eurovision to Peace Talks, What’s New in Baku?

Azerbaijan is gearing up for Eurovision 2025, with the artist and song to be revealed in February. The country is also pushing for a peace deal with Armenia, despite ongoing tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh. Trials of former separatist leaders have begun in Baku, adding to the complex regional dynamics.

Azerbaijan is making headlines in multiple areas, from cultural events to diplomatic efforts. The country is preparing for Eurovision 2025, with the national broadcaster Ictimati TV set to reveal the artist and song in the first 10 days of February. This is a change from previous years, as Azerbaijan usually announces its entry in March. The internal selection process has seen 154 songs submitted, with 49% written by local composers and lyricists1.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is actively pursuing a peace deal with Armenia. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized the importance of a peace agreement, despite concerns over Armenia’s constitutional territorial claims and vengeful tendencies. The two nations have been in a stalemate over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, which was liberated by Azerbaijan in 2020 following a 44-day war2.
In a significant development, the trial of 16 individuals, including former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh, has begun in Baku. The defendants face charges of terrorism, crimes against humanity, and crimes against the state of Azerbaijan. Ruben Vardanyan, a former Russian businessman of Armenian descent, is among those on trial, denying all charges and demanding an open trial5.

1. Who will reveal the Azerbaijan Eurovision 2025 artist and song?
   The national broadcaster Ictimati TV will reveal the artist and song in the first 10 days of February 20251.
2. What is the current status of the peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia?
   The peace talks are ongoing, but there are concerns over Armenia’s constitutional territorial claims and vengeful tendencies. The two nations are working to sign a peace treaty, which is 80% complete, including border delineation2.

3. Who are the defendants in the Nagorno-Karabakh trial?
   The defendants include former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh, such as Ruben Vardanyan, Arayik Harutyunian, Arkadi Ghukasian, Bako Sahakian, David Babayan, and David Ishkhanian5.

4. What charges are the defendants facing in the Nagorno-Karabakh trial?
   The defendants are facing charges of terrorism, crimes against humanity, and crimes against the state of Azerbaijan5.

5. What is the significance of the trial in Baku?
   The trial is significant as it marks a step towards justice and accountability for the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, which has been a longstanding issue between Azerbaijan and Armenia5.

Azerbaijan is navigating multiple fronts, from cultural events like Eurovision to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The country’s commitment to peace talks with Armenia is crucial, despite ongoing challenges. The trial of former separatist leaders in Baku adds a new layer to the complex regional dynamics.