NEWTIMES

Stratfor, the American global intelligence company with alleged links to the Central Intelligence Agency, has made public its forecast for the year 2017. It highlights global geopolitical trends, and predicts developments in separate regions of the world. Stratfor forecasts that global geopolitical situation will remain complicated in 2017, conflicts and armed clashes will grow in different parts of the world. This applies to conflicts in the South Caucasus too. As far as Armenia is concerned, Stratfor believes the country should not bank on serious military backing. So what comes next in the South Caucasus according to Stratfor`s forecasting is of vital importance.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov`s remarks on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict made on January 17 has provoked mixed reactions. Azerbaijan remained discreet. Some Russian and Armenian media outlets launched a propaganda campaign, alleging that Lavrov`s statement was in favour of Armenia. This both undermines the peace talks and distorts the truth, constituting another serious impediment to a fair settlement of the conflict.

Resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabakh conflict remains the primary objective for Azerbaijan's foreign policy. This conflict has already defied regional boundaries and now poses a great threat for the political configuration across a wider geography. Meanwhile, the Armenian side aims to mislead the world by persisting that the conflict has religious roots and to that end it is engaged in a broad international propaganda.

The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution urging Israel to stop building settlements on the western bank of the Jordan River. The resolution was adopted by votes of four permanent members, with the USA abstaining. Official Tel Aviv sharply rebuked Washington, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused directly Barack Obama. Israel said it will not fulfill the requirements of the resolution. This situation raises a question: Why does the UN Security Council remain indifferent to the policy of illegal settlement that has been carried out by Armenia in Azerbaijan`s Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent districts for decades? This encourages Armenia`s impunity on the one hand, and sets a precedent for other states to violate international law on the other. This is why the UN Security Council resolutions largely remain on paper.

Pakistan and Azerbaijan are two fraternal countries. Close and cordial relations between the two countries are characterized by common cultural heritage, shared perceptions on global and regional issues and cooperation at international forums. Due to deeply entrenched affinities, both the countries cherish special bond of friendship. Pakistan was among the first three countries to recognize Azerbaijan after its independence from the former Soviet Union in October 1991. Diplomatic relations were established in June 1992. Pakistan Embassy was opened in March 1993 in Baku and Azerbaijan established its Mission in Islamabad in August 1997. Next year i.e. in 2017 the two countries will celebrate silver Jubilee of establishment of their diplomatic relations. The cooperation between the two states extends to various spheres ranging from political, economic, security, defence to culture.

The independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan was re-established in 1991, and Azerbaijan can now celebrate its 25th anniversary as a free nation. I congratulate the people and government of Azerbaijan on this important occasion and wish your country every success, prosperity, welfare and happiness. Norway and Azerbaijan have developed extensive bilateral relations over the past 25 years, and we look forward to continued cooperation and friendship.

Politicians, scientists, analysts and experts have repeatedly noted the need for a new geo-political world order. This looks quite natural against a background of a variety of dangerous global processes that have been taking place since the early 21st century. Called global problems, these negative trends are growing and posing a threat to entire mankind. So there is a need for a new geo-political world order that would please all countries and that would be based on international law. Violence, terror, double standards, poverty, hunger, violation of law should at least be reduced to a minimum. The whole of mankind is facing this task. But surprisingly the world is now unable to perform this transition. One of the weakest points here is that there is no confidence in international organizations, first and foremost in the United Nations. Theoretically, everyone admits the role and importance of the United Nations, but when it comes to doing concrete work, certain barriers emerge. Is there a way out? What do experts think?

Experts are analyzing the visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Yerevan. The Armenian media`s coverage is full of pathos. But a deeper look at the analyses reveals some signs of prejudice. Iran and Armenia signed several documents, with the two countries expressing their interest in developing bilateral relations and implementing regional projects. For some reasons Armenian experts created anti-Azerbaijani and anti-Turkish hysteria around these developments. As if Iran gives preference to a format of cooperation with Azerbaijan and Turkey. Such a behavior of the Armenians was expected as they have always been far from objectivity. In reality, Iran and Azerbaijan now enjoy excellent relations and any confrontation between the two is out of question. Leaders of both countries are determined to develop their cooperation.

The Republic of Lithuania recognized de jure the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 20, 1991. Since November 27, 1995 Lithuania and Azerbaijan established diplomatic relations. Both countries are actively implementing political dialogue as well as developing economic cooperation and diplomatic relations based on international principals, one of which is of great importance for the newly re-created country – it is a respect to country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Marking the anniversaries, such as the 25th anniversary of the State Independences, is significant in terms of offering an opportunity to look back at the past, think over the achieved, summarize and analyse past events and also, based on this analysis, to make plans and decisions for the future. Mentioned 25-year period can be characterized by stable development and establishment for Azerbaijan as is for Latvia and I would say that it was uneasy as both countries had to go through many challenges in order to be successful.