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Nakhchivan/06.07.22/Turan: The decision to close the land borders of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (NAR) with Iran and Turkey from 1 July has had a negative impact not only on the lives of the region's population, but also on the citizens of Azerbaijan as a whole.
The authorities explain their decision by the quarantine regime, however, the border had been opened when the level of coronavirus infection was much higher than now.
A land connection to Iran and Turkey allowed Nakhchivan residents to travel once a month to neighbouring countries to buy food and basic necessities at low prices. Therefore, locals believe that the closure of the borders has benefited large retail chains owned by government officials.
Besides, many people have lost the opportunity to travel to Turkey at low prices by taking cheap flights to Nakhchivan. Now, with the increased demand, the cost of airfares to all destinations is reaching astronomical amounts. For instance, a Baku-Istanbul-return flight costs AZN 600-700. Therefore, many people travelled by car to Nakhchivan, and from there the plane to Baku. Given the air ticket's price of 60 manats it was a profitable trip. Now the number of Baku-Nakhchivan daily flights has been reduced from 10 to 4.
At the same time the closure of the border will increase the occupancy rate of flights from Baku to Turkish cities and AZAL will benefit from it.
Many observers believe that the decision to close the NAR border may have been taken to ensure increased revenues for Azerbaijan's civil aviation industry and make up for losses incurred during the acute phase of the pandemic. -06B-
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The closure of Azerbaijan's land borders was discussed during the parliamentary session on November 25. While the government’s decision cites the coronavirus pandemic as the main reason—despite the World Health Organization declaring its end last year—Zahid Oruj, Chair of the Human Rights Committee in the Milli Majlis, pointed to other factors. He stated, "Opening the borders could result in an influx of hundreds of thousands of non-Azerbaijani refugees due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Additionally, in Iran, many are prepared to cross into Azerbaijan to safeguard their lives and assets amid military strikes. Such waves of refugees could lead to humanitarian, social, and cultural clashes that may threaten political stability."
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On Tuesday, the General Prosecutor's Office announced the initiation of new criminal cases against agricultural product exporters who allegedly concealed their earnings abroad. Specifically, the Sumgayit City Prosecutor's Office has opened a criminal case under Articles 208.2.1 and 208.2.2 (failure to return foreign currency to the country in large amounts by prior agreement of a group of individuals) and Article 308.2 (abuse of office causing serious consequences) against officials of the company "SOİL BOONS" LLC – Jahangir Aliyev, Elyar Gadzhiev, Mehman Mirzamedev, Saleh Gabilov, and Aly Aliyev.
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Rains will continue in Baku and Absheron on 27 November, forecasters said. In places, precipitation will be intense with thunderstorms. Moderate north-west wind.
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On Tuesday, rainy weather with thunderstorms and moderate northwest wind is expected in the Baku, according to meteorologists. The rainy weather will continue untill Wednesday evening. The air temperature at night will be +7 to +10°C, and during the day, +11 to +13°C. The humidity will be 80-90% at night and 70-80% during the day. Rain with thunderstorms will also affect other parts of the country. Snow is expected in mountainous areas. There will be fog in places, with westerly winds.
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