NEWTIMES

The vassal Armenia`s hosting a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which was established under Russia`s patronage, is not an unusual event as Armenia now chairs the organization. The fact that the so-called state of Armenia – the aggressor – is a member of the EAEU does not bring it honor. On the contrary, with its resentment, discontent and absurd claims, Armenia is just complicating the situation. In addition, no member country of the EAEU shares Armenia`s hostile position towards Azerbaijan. However, experts do not rule out that the Yerevan meeting may produce positive process for the organization. But the event that took place in the capital of Armenia showed the lack of any progress. There were only new vows. Among them was a proposal to embark on cooperation that would increase the organization`s international influence. In this context, the organization considered the opportunities for building relations with Iran, China, Singapore, Egypt, Israel and other countries.

Signed in 1994, the world-famous Contract of the Century is one of the sources of pride for the Azerbaijani people. President Ilham Aliyev highlighted this fact in his speech at the ceremony to mark 25th anniversary of Contract of the Century and Oil Workers Day. The head of state reiterated the strategic and geopolitical significance of the project. In their letters to the Azerbaijani President, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, UK Secretary of State for International Trade & President of the Board Trade Elizabeth Truss and UK Minister for Europe and the Americas Christopher Pincher stressed very important points in this regard. It`s obvious that these major powers are interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan and highly appreciate the policy pursued by the country`s leadership.

Experts have recently been noting the deepening of the political crisis in Armenia. The number of Armenian officials who are discontent with Nikol Pashinyan`s policy is growing and they are leaving the ruling party. The party, which just a year ago seemed to be a strong force and was even described by some as democratic, in fact, was torn apart by contradictions. The situation has worsened to the extent that experts are warning of the collapse of the government. Against this background, the resignation of several senior officials is of particular interest. The "revolutionary" government seems to be unable to find a way out of the situation. Pashinyan`s approval ratings are now going down at a rapid pace. People continue staging protests against Amulsar gold mine. Senior police chief Valeri Osipyan, who opposed the government`s crackdown on the demonstrators, resigned from his post. Pashinyan`s statements contradict sharply with his political identity. Such a scenario may cause chaos in the country.

Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev visited Azerbaijan immediately after John Bolton`s tour of Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and Poland. For experts, the visit came as a surprise as much as the US Security Adviser` s trip. Interestingly, Patrushev visited Armenia in August. Experts believe it`s not a coincidence because senior security officials of two superpowers, which are at loggerheads over geopolitical influence in Eurasia, visited two geopolitically volatile regions. What they came with? Both officials affirmed their countries` commitment to the issue of security. But what does really lie behind these statements? In particular, which issues did dominate Patrushev`s agenda?

Issues surrounding the preparation of a new cooperation document between the European Union and Azerbaijan have recently provoked lively debates. Different opinions are voiced, with some contradicting each other. Official Baku remains patient and committed to its realistic attitude, saying negotiations on the partnership agreement continue successfully. In this regard, experts should focus on one critical point. Azerbaijan prefers equal relations based on mutual respect with countries and international organizations. Protecting sovereignty and national interests is number one priority. As Azerbaijan was dissatisfied with some terms featured in the European Union`s Eastern Partnership program, the country put forward its own cooperation model. And fruitful talks are now being held in this regard.

For several years, experts have been point out growing negative tendencies within the European Union. Some even hint at the possible collapse of the organization. Brexit is frequently recalled in this context, with experts believing that it will encourage other countries to leave the organization. Against this background, the preparation of an optimistic strategic agenda on the future of the EU is of special interest. The agenda encompasses the organization`s development priorities until 2024. Those who drafted the agenda believe that the organization will develop in specific areas. But whether this will happen or not remains a question. What adds interest to the agenda is that apart from EU member states it also highlights some points relating to non-member states that cooperate with the organization.

In the middle of the last century the world was searching for mechanisms to regulate the system of international relations. The establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1955 was a crucial outcome of those efforts. Its fundamental principles were adopted at the founding non-aligned summit in Belgrade in 1961. These principles included establishing global peace, tranquility, peaceful co-existence and principles of fair cooperation. Experience showed that the world needed such an organization badly. Although interest in the Non-Aligned Movement decreased after the Cold War to some extent, later processes highlighted global need in this organization. Many countries are therefore interested in the Non-Aligned Movement becoming stronger. Azerbaijan is assuming two-year chairmanship of the organization this year.

Experts highlight the global geopolitical importance of the Caspian basin. And what is of particular significance here apart from security in the region, is the issue of cooperation. The signing of a set of documents on the legal status of the Caspian Sea in 2018 opened brand new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. In this regard, the Caspian Economic Forum is of particular interest as a unique cooperation format. Held in Turkmenistan, the first Economic Forum gathered high-level representatives from both the Caspian littoral states and several other countries. This means that this cooperation format may win serious global support. This thesis seems to be much more convincing taking into account the views expressed at the forum.

A couple of days ago Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed an event in Khankendi, which was called "All-Armenian games". But, in fact, the essence of the event was quite uncertain.Experts say he was nervous and unsure, describing his remarks as potentially dangerous for the region. Even the Armenian opposition called the prime minister`s views "absurd". The matter is that Pashinyan once again highlighted Armenia`s territorial claims to Azerbaijan and attempted to present them as Yerevan`s legal right. But the lack of logic behind his arguments is obvious. On the one hand, this "street politician" says "Artsakh is independent" and Yerevan does not interfere with its affairs, while on the other, he calls the unrecognized regime in Khankendi "illegal". Of course, this regime is illegal in a true sense of the word, but it isn`t what the Armenian prime minister means. The real reason why Pashinyan called the Khankendi regime illegal is that he wants to put his own man at its head. It is yet another evidence of Armenia`s policy to establish a separatist regime in the neugbouring state`s lands, patronize it and maintain the occupation of territories.

As the world is globalizing, even countries that are far away from each other are striving to ensure visa-free movement of their citizens. There is the Schengen Area in Europe. CIS countries also introduced a visa-free regime. Many states around the globe apply visa-free travel on a mutual basis. And the process is expanding. A couple of days ago the Azerbaijani leadership made a historic decision to grant Turkish citizens the right to stay in the country for a month without getting a visa. The news was welcomed positively by all normal people. But the Armenian media and experts interpreted the event in a biased and silly manner. A deeper look at the situation reveals real reasons behind Armenians` ridiculous and uncivil attitude. This article will analyze the Armenian media`s position visa-free regime between Azerbaijan and Turkey.