Baku bans Russian-made taxis May 2, 2012 - 12:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijan’s capital Baku introduced a ban on May 1 on Russian-made taxis that will be replaced with London cabs in the run up to the Eurovision Song Contest, the country's Transportation Ministry said on Wednesday, May 2. The city is hosting the finals of the Eurovision Song Contest on May 26. The Transportation Ministry said the move was designed to introduce European standards on the taxi market of the city. The ministry’s spokesman, Namig Gasanov, said violators of the ban would be fined 100 manats, or 100 euros. Earlier this year, the ministry released a list of sanctioned Russian cars that could be used as taxis in Azerbaijan’s capital. But the spokesman said then that those cars would be gradually withdrawn from the taxi market. Banned cars are gradually being replaced with London cabs, TX4 models made in China. The Transportation Ministry said the city had already bought 1,000 cabs for $26 million and planned to increase their number to 3,000 by the end of the year, RIA Novosti reported.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals  Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation.Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush.Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year.Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |
