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.

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.

First Vice President and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva (R), standing next to Pope Francis and her husband, President Ilham Aliyev, plays an increasingly assertive role.

Georgia’s Coast Guard is holding joint maritime exercises with NATO member state naval forces in the Black Sea, in a continuing move to integrate the ex-Soviet country with the Atlantic alliance’s security strategy.

First Vice President and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva plays an increasingly assertive role.