In an interview with Rossiya-24 TV station Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev spoke on economic development, relations with Russia and criticism of the country's human rights record, as well as the Karabakh issue.
The Armenian prime minister said the increased legitimacy of the government based on the people's mandate enabled Armenian diplomats to focus on important goals
Azerbaijan is an oil exporting country, and the mood of Baku often reflects the price of oil on the international markets. In that sense 2018 has been a year of mixed moods. For the moment however, it is time to celebrate and Baku is preparing for its usual big new year's eve celebration.
The Christmas tree is up in Tbilisi's Republic Square, and the festive season in Georgia has now officially started. Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze was on hand, together with prime minister Mamuka Bakhtadze, to switch on the lights on Saturday evening (22 December).
Throughout the region, 2018 has been a significant year with important political and social developments. The putting up of the tree usually marks the end of the political year, and the start of a short break when focus is more on family, friends and merriment.
The Armenian prime minister told journalists in Yerevan that no Armenian government had been so transparent on the Karabakh issue as his administration.
A parliamentary Commission concluded that the activities of a foundation owned by a Russian national "were subversive in nature and posed a threat to the state security of the Republic of Moldova," a statement posted on the parliament's website said.