What is next? Can we and our neighbours – the Armenians – ever get over the bad blood and live together as it was before? Many don’t believe that it is possible, but I have some hope.

Azerbaijan's state energy company SOCAR is expanding international operations.

Last year’s protests showed that Lukashenko’s support after more than 25 years in power had dwindled. But he commands the loyalty of the security forces and enjoys the backing of the Kremlin.