After a challenging year, this slide show gives you an impression of the most memorable acitvities of our Political Dialogue South Caucasus regional program in 2024. Enjoy!

Further controversies around the Mayor of Yerevan
Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan has come under fire, yet again, following investigative reports alleging that businesses connected to his family received favorable treatment through government contracts during his time as deputy prime minister. Avinyan, who has dismissed the reports as false, sparked further backlash by calling parts of the media a "garbage dump", a statement widely criticized by journalists and press freedom advocates. Controversy also surrounds the cost of his publicly funded flight to the US, prompting Avinyan to personally repay the $20,000 ticket price after public uproar.

Amulsar gold mine prepares for launch
The Armenian government has acquired a 12.5% stake in the Amulsar gold mine moves closer to its projected 2025 launch. Despite environmental protests delaying operations since 2018, the project is back on track with $100 million in secured funding and another $150 million being negotiated with local banks, potentially supported by government guarantees. Expected to generate 210,000 ounces of gold annually, the mine is projected to boost Armenia’s economy significantly.

Former Government MPs set up own party

US sanctions Ivanisvhili - MEGOBARI Act reintroduced amid "Deep State" accusations 

The US has imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili for undermining democracy and enabling Russian influence. In response, Georgian Dream released a statement denouncing the sanctions as part of a "Deep State" conspiracy targeting Georgia. Meanwhile, US lawmakers reintroduced the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act, which calls for expanded sanctions against Georgian officials involved in corruption and human rights abuses, alongside broader measures to counter Georgia’s democratic backsliding.

Zourabisvhili leaves office - "President" Kavelashvili inaugurated

Georgian Dream appointed Mikheil Kavelashvili took office as Georgia’s new president on December 29, amid questions surrounding his legitimacy, following what many view as a sham election. Salome Zourabichvili, while leaving her office at Orbeliani palace, declared that she remains the only legitimate president, pledging to stand with protesters. On his first day, Kavelashvili signed controversial laws cracking down on the ongoing nationwide demonstrations against the Georgian Dream government.

OSCE PA President cancels visit to Georgia after heave criticism

Pia Kauma, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, postponed her planned visit to Georgia following backlash from opposition parties, civil society, and Salome Zurabishvili, who feared the visit would legitimize the Georgian Dream government. Kauma emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue and urged the Georgian authorities to address the recommendations from the ODIHR report on the October 26 parliamentary elections. The decision underlines the international isolation of the Georgian Dream government.

While the EU is considering extending its civilian monitoring mission along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border for two more years, Azerbaijan voiced its opposition to the mission, accusing it of bias and interference. Armenian officials view it as crucial for border stability, and instrumental in reducing armed incidents, whereas Baku is demanding its withdrawal as a condition for signing a peace treaty with Armenia.

The trial of seven Azerbaijani journalists, including key figures from the investigative outlet Abzas Media, began on December 17 in Baku. The charges of smuggling are widely condemned as politically motivated. Courtroom access was restricted, and motions to drop the charges were denied, prompting protests from journalists and defendants. Critics, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, view the case as part of a continuous crackdown on independent media in Azerbaijan.