Israel seeking regional ally in its struggle against IranJune 5, 2009 - 15:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel is currently seeking a regional ally in a struggle against Iran, and Azerbaijan can fulfill this role. This is what accounts for the announced visit of Shimon Peres to Baku, an expert at St. Petersburg Center for Middle East studies, historical science candidate Alexander Sotnichenko told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter."Azerbaijan hasn't yet decided on its position towards Iran and Israel. This is what accounts for the visit of Peres and nervous reaction of Iran. Oncoming Presidential elections in Iran will determine further destiny of the country. It's understandable that international society's attention is riveted on elections in Iran," Sotnichenko said. He also emphasized that Iran remains the only independent state in the Middle East, surrounded by USA's allies, excluiding Armenia and Azerbaijan. "Azerbaijan is considered a key regional state because of its energy recourses. So everybody is trying to have Baku as their ally," Russian expert stated. Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. Second round of Armenia-Azerbaijan talks set for May 11 The second round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan will take place on May 11. |