The European Union's attention to the South Caucasus tends to increase. The recent report on Karabakh settlement issued by the International Crisis Group as well as the shaky political situation in Georgia triggered a mixed reaction in the EU and, as result, a greater attention to the states engaged in the European Neighborhood Policy. PanARMENIAN.Net requested EU's Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Mr Peter Semneby to comment on the current situation in the region.

Armenian communities in Middle East, specifically in Lebanon, unwillingly appear in the midst of civil wars which burst in the unstable region from time to time. Moreover, the Armenian communities should oppose the anti-Armenian propaganda launched by Turkey and Azerbaijan. PanARMENIAN.Net requested the RA Ambassador to Armenia to Lebanon, Vahan Ter-Ghevondyan to comment on life of the Armenian community in Lebanon.

Armenia is successfully cooperating with NATO. The fact is confirmed by high-ranking officials of the Alliance. Considerable progress in army reorganization has been achieved since the IPAP was launched. Armenia is participating in the Partnership for Peace program and NATO peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and Iraq. Mr Robert F. Simmons, NATO's first ever Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia told PanARMENIAN.Net about prospects of the Armenia-NATO relations.

Georgia is the only outlet to the sea for Armenia, that is why the Armenian-Georgian relations are in the limelight of politicians in both states. The relations are not simple: Georgia's participation in communication and energy projects bypassing Armenia undermines friendly relations between the countries. Javakhk is another major problem. Expert at the Caucasus Media Institute, historian and political scientist Sergei Minasyan comments on the situation to PanARMENIAN.Net.

The Nagorno Karabakh conflict is gradually transforming into 'an eternal issue'. The efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group have not produced effect yet and Azerbaijan's statements on change of format are heard more and more frequently. Although, there is no guarantee that transfer of the issue in UN can introduce changes in the process. PanARMENIAN.Net requested former Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Ambassador Vladimir Kazimirov to comment on the situation.

Developments in the Near East can change the balance of forces in the region and influence on Armenia's relations with Turkey and Iran. The main player in the region is the U.S., which is interested in stability in the Near East and Caucasus. This power's wish to push Russia from the South Caucasus, specifically from Armenia, is also an important factor. Professor of international relations and politics of the Universidad de San Andrés in Buenos Aires, Dr Khachik Ter-Ghukassian comments to PanARMENIAN.Net on the ongoing events in the region and their possible impact on Armenia.

The St. Petersburg meeting between Armenian and Azeri Presidents will be a subject of discussions for politicians and societies still for a long time. The world community's expectation for the sooner resolution of the Karabakh conflict again did not come true, though a certain progress was fixed. The visit to Stepanakert, Baku and Yerevan by representatives of Armenian and Azeri intelligentsia comes to prove that fact. OSCE American Co-Chair, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza told the PanARMENIAN.Net about the current situation in Armenian-Turkish relations and the negotiation process around Nagorno Karabakh.

Relations between Armenia and France have always been more than friendly. France was one of the states to recognize Armenia's independence and establish diplomatic relations. During 15 years the cooperation between the countries strengthened and deepened. Being the Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, France, like Armenia, is interested in a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. French Ambassador to Armenia, Mr Serge Smessov comments to PanARMENIAN.Net on the current stage of the Armenian-French relations and their development.

Germany occupies an important place in Armenia's foreign policy. Furthermore, frequent and close contacts contribute to development of bilateral relations. Germany is engaged in implementation of the Armenia-EU Action Plan within the European Neighborhood Policy. Presiding in the EU, Germany is interested in a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. German Ambassador to Armenia, Ms. Heike Renate Peitsch, who is completing her diplomatic mission in Armenia, comments to PanARMENIAN.Net on prospects of the Armenian-German relations.

The geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus and Near East, in general, is changing with the appearance of new players. The problems available in the South Caucasus have recently attracted attention of great powers like the United States and Russia. Mr Cory Welt, Deputy Director and Fellow of Russia and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) comments to PanARMENIAN.Net on the future of the region and possible settlement of conflicts.