The deal has raised questions of conflict of interest in a government that has made a priority of prosecuting corruption among members of the former regime.

The audit comes at a delicate time for Yerevan, which is facing pressure from both Washington and Moscow.

Compared to other emerging-market currencies facing turmoil, Azerbaijan’s hasn’t budged despite a government promise to let it float.

Many observers disapprove. “Being a journalist is a difficult thing, being an MP is a very easy thing,” one wrote.

Crimean Bridge: Made With Love hasn't gone down too well in Russia either.

Astana buys Beijing's talk of ethnic Kazakhs serving as a "living bridge."

One newspaper annoyed the authorities with its report on how the ruling family has allegedly exploited tax breaks.

The leaders of the organization's member states met in Astana, and they -- led by Kazakhstan's Nursultan Nazarbayev -- appeared to be leaning toward letting Belarus take over ahead of schedule.