Russian experts says Armenia important country for WestOctober 9, 2011 - 17:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An expert at the Institute of Political and Social Studies of the Black Sea and Caspian Region, Andrey Areshev believes that French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to the South Caucasus has balanced the priorities of the west in the region. “Till recently, cooperation with Baku was accented, for most part being conditioned by the EU's energy projects with Azerbaijan and Georgia. Now, it become obvious that Armenia is also important for the West as a political dimension against the background of Turkey's increasing role in the region,” Areshev said, adding that the West is likely to continue with applying various political combinations pursuing tactical and strategic objectives to secure reliable communicative corridors through the Central Asia. “However, the events in Syria and Libya, where the West stakes on radical Islamic forces, can be fatal for the Christian population, specifically the Armenian community. So, a question arouses: does Mr. Sarkozy, who is appealing to the feelings of the Armenian Diaspora think about the fate of dozens of thousands of Armenian (and other Christians) in Middle East? Or was the fate of these people, who have already fallen victims to the adventure policy of the United States and France, discussed during the French President's visit to Armenia?” the expert said, Analitika.at.ua reported. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia border residents dissatisfied with delimitation Residents Kirants are dissatisfied with the results of the delimitation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “Great success”: Pashinyan pleased with new border protocol Pashinyan has described the signing by Armenia and Azerbaijan of a protocol on delimitation in Tavush as “a great success”. Armenia, Azerbaijan sign protocol on demarcation coordinates Armenia’s government took on May 15 another step towards handing over four border areas to Azerbaijan. Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children |