OC Media

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Open Caucasus Media brings you news, commentary, multimedia, and podcasts from the North and South Caucasus.

Daily Brief

Friday, 20 March 2026

by OC Media

•3 min read

Regional * Yesterday, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with his Georgian counterpart Irakli Kobakhidze, offering his condolences for the death of Patriarch Ilia II. Earlier yesterday, Pashinyan stated that Armenia ‘will participate in the funeral at the highest level’, however the attendance of Catholicos Karekin II still remains unclear, considering he has been under a travel ban since February. Armenia * Yesterday, Pashinyan received EU Enlargement Commissioner

Daily Brief

Thursday, 19 March 2026

by OC Media

•4 min read

Regional * Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a letter of condolence to his Georgian counterpart Irakli Kobakhidze on the occasion of the death of Georgian Patriarch Ilia II. Catholicos Karekin II also sent similar condolences. It remains unclear if Karekin II will be able to attend Ilia II’s funeral, considering he has been under travel ban since February. * This morning a total of 488 tonnes of grain were shipped from Baku, bound for Armenia from Russia via Azerbaijan. Armenia * EU Enl

The brothers Rezo and Piruz Tsulukidze, who were reportedly among those arrested. Photo: Batumelebi.

Georgia

Over 70 arrested in Georgian police operation against mafia in Adjara

by OC Media

•2 min read

Among those detained were alleged high-ranking members of the post-Soviet mafia network known as ‘thieves-in-law’.

Ilia II

Obituary | Patriarch Ilia II — the one constant in Georgia’s modern history

by OC Media

•12 min read

Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, has died, leaving behind a troubled legacy after 48 years of leading the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Daily Brief

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

by OC Media

•4 min read

Armenia * Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi during his official visit to Oman. According to the Armenian readout, they discussed ‘prospects for expanding cooperation in a number of areas of mutual interest’. They also signed a memorandum of understanding on holding political consultations between Foreign Ministries of the two countries. * Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan chaired a Security Council meeting yesterd