The governments of the three South Caucasus countries need to pursue policies that will contribute to national cohesion as they deal with domestic and external challenges in 2017. The extent to which they can fulfil their ambitious agendas for the year ahead will depend on their willingness and ability to do so

The leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia extended new year greetings to their citizens in short televised addresses in the last minutes of 2016, in which they gave special importance to economic issues, reflecting ongoing concerns among their citizens

The editorial team of commonspace.eu extend best wishes to our readers and subscribers in the Caucasus region and worldwide. We wish you a happy, peaceful and prosperous 2017

In 2017 Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia will have to navigate through an even more challenging and complicated regional and international context, and with heightened risks

"Moscow has to walk on a thin line in order both to keep solidarity within the institutions that it patronises, and to safeguard its own interests which at the moment are best served by not alienating Azerbaijan, whilst keeping Armenia firmly in the fold"

Armenian MOD spokesperson posted on his facebook page: "The logical development of the Azerbaijani provocation on Thursday took place tonight. The Armenian army divisions carried out retaliatory actions, and as a result, the adversary suffered four more casualties"

Ambassador Richard E. Hoagland will assume the position on 1 January, replacing Ambassador James Warlick, who will step down on December 31

There are conflicting reports of serious incidents on the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border on Thursday (29 December). Armenia says it has killed seven Azerbaijani soldiers. Azerbaijan denies the report but says one of its soldiers is missing. Armenia says three of its own soldiers are dead. Both sides accuse each other of starting the incident.

Ziyafat Asgerov said his country can only rely on its own strength, and therefore the defence budget was not being reduced despite the economic downturn. Asgerov accused Armenia of simulating its participation in negotiations for the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, and as a result Baku has the right to liberate its territories by military means

Mahmoud Vaezi is in Baku to attend the 11th meeting of the Azerbaijani-Iranian intergovernmental commission on economic, trade and humanitarian issues which will discuss opportunities for expansion of bilateral ties.