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 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 | Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. Ruling MPs, Foreign Minister talk Armenia-Azerbaijan processes MOs from the ruling Civil Contract party met with the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in the Armenian parliament. Russia: Armenia’s frozen membership weakens CSTO position in Caucasus A Russian envoy said any step that could alienate the CSTO member states from each other is “deeply wrong”. |