Where Will Armenian Cargo Transit? – Aliyev Mentions Georgia

Meanwhile, the governments of Armenia and the United States have agreed on the framework for implementing the “Trump Road,” a project scheduled to begin construction in the second half of 2026.Despite these developments, officials in Armenia warn that the risk of renewed conflict remains high. Experts note that both Yerevan and Baku are eager to convince the international community that negotiations are progressing, though real progress has yet to materialize.Ahead of the June parliamentary elections, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan seeks to present himself as a peacemaker who will establish diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey and open regional transportation corridors.

Tamar Zodelava Appointed Deputy Minister of Justice

According to the official statement, Zodelava is a lawyer by profession. She received her education at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, the University of Administrative Sciences in Speyer, and the University of Bremen. She has many years of experience working in international organizations and state institutions, having served at various times as a project manager for the German International Cooperation Society (GIZ).Until now, Zodelava served as the head of the State Grants Management Agency.It remains unknown who will succeed her as the new head of the Agency.On 20 February 2025, the Georgian Parliament approved, in its third reading, legislation establishing the Legal Entity of Public Law (LEPL) – State Grants Management Agency, which is responsible for issuing grants to civil society organizations.

U.S. Embassy in Georgia Issues Statement on Temporary Suspension of Im...

The temporary suspension will take effect on January 21, 2026, and will apply to applicants from Georgia as well as more than 100 other countries. The embassy clarified that previously issued immigrant visas remain valid and will not be revoked.The pause also does not affect tourist visas or dual citizens who apply using a passport from a country not included on the list.The statement emphasizes that applicants may still submit documents and attend scheduled interviews, but immigrant visas will not be issued during the suspension period.The full statement published by the embassy reads:"Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits UsageLast Updated: January 14, 2026President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans. The Department of State is undergoing a full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge.Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State is pausing all visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the following countries:Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of affected countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department will continue to schedule applicants for appointments, but no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during this pause.Are there any exceptions?Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed above are exempt from this pause.Does this affect my current valid visa?No immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance. For questions regarding admission to the United States, we refer you to DHS.Does this apply to tourist visas?No, this pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants. Tourist visas are nonimmigrant visas."

Events in Iran Pose Migration Risk to the South Caucasus

So far, the governments of the three South Caucasus countries have not made official statements regarding this potential threat. Farhad Mamedov, a political analyst close to official Baku, notes that the news from Iran is being perceived emotionally. “If a civil war breaks out in Iran, the issue of Azerbaijanis living there will gain special significance, and Baku will likely provide every possible assistance to its compatriots to ensure their safety,” he said.Armenia reports concerns that its connection with the Armenian community in Iran is disrupted. Diaspora Affairs Commissioner Zare Sinanyan stated that a similar situation occurred last June during the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel. “At that time, we received information from citizens crossing the border. Probably today it is also better to do the same, as the existing information vacuum worries us greatly,” he said.Experts note that in recent years, Iran has been an active supporter of Armenia’s territorial integrity and a firm opponent of the Zangezur corridor, which would connect Azerbaijan directly with Turkey by land. If Iran weakens, Yerevan’s position will also weaken, while the Baku–Ankara tandem will strengthen. This could also reduce Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus.Against the backdrop of the ongoing protest wave in the Islamic Republic, Armenia’s Foreign Minister met in Yerevan with the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister. On Tuesday, January 13, the Armenian Foreign Minister will meet with the U.S. Secretary of State in Washington.

Prosecutor’s Office Sentences Garibashvili to 5 Years in Prison and GE...

According to the official statement, Garibashvili was convicted under Article 194, Part 3 of the Georgian Criminal Code. In addition to imprisonment, he was issued an additional fine of GEL 1 million.The Prosecutor’s Office also announced that the state will confiscate all funds obtained through the criminal scheme, including the cash seized during a search of Garibashvili’s residence.Garibashvili has admitted guilt and accepted the terms of the plea agreement. The court has already approved the prosecution’s motion, making the agreement legally binding.