In spite of ascendant political ties between the two allies, the apparent temporary nature of the new agreement speaks to their differing economic priorities.
The Azerbaijani government has been undertaking a campaign against corrupt officials for nearly two years now, but in a series of recent hearings the accused say they have been set up.
The massive release of “kompromat” focused on the country’s powerful church but also provided evidence of state snooping on journalists, politicians and diplomats.
Once the star of Georgian Dream, which has ruled the country for a decade, Giorgi Gakharia is now taking on his former allies and taking flak as a result.
The move appears to be part of a steadily increasing effort by Baku to exert control over the road in southern Armenia that passes through pockets of Azerbaijan-controlled territory.
Unlike the last time the two sides explored restoring ties, Azerbaijan doesn’t seem to be trying to play the spoiler. But questions remain about Russia’s involvement in the process.
Ground was broken for the Fuzuli airport only in January, and it now has hosted its first passenger and cargo flights. But some wonder if the government’s enthusiasm for airports isn’t excessive.
Baku has been increasingly airing public criticisms of Moscow over the post-war order, which have been exacerbated by the lack of a formal mandate for the Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh.
Azerbaijan’s recent closure of a key road has highlighted the need for a new highway in southern Armenia; critics say the government has been dragging its feet.
EU officials responded by saying that Tbilisi hadn’t fulfilled the conditions to get the loan. “You can't decline what you were not eligible for,” one said.
The road closures represent the first time that Azerbaijani border guards, which have passively patrolled the road for months, have acted so assertively.
The announcement of paid tours to the region upset many of those violently displaced from the region in the 1990s, who expect to go back to live - not as tourists.
