The stubborn decline of the Armenian government to cooperate with Azerbaijan in demining the formerly occupied territories is one major area where this approach destructive to regional peace and stability stands out.

The implications go way beyond Armenian domestic squabbles. The election has the potential to make the country ungovernable.

Diplomats who have served in Belarus say Lukashenko is the ultimate enigma. Certainly, using Russian money to keep his state-dominated economy alive. But too simplistically dismissed as a Russian lackey.

The agreement paves the way for initial stage financing of $800 million for the new gas chemical complex in Uzbekistan's Bukhara region.