Iran’s chief nuke negotiator pays surprise visit to AnkaraSeptember 17, 2012 - 15:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Saeed Jalili, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and the country's chief nuclear negotiator, paid a surprise visit to Ankara on Monday, Sept 17, to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, according to Today's Zaman. The meeting, which took place at Davutoğlu's official residence, was closed to the press. Jalili is scheduled to meet European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Tuesday in Istanbul for technical talks on Tehran's disputed nuclear program. Ashton is spearheading nuclear talks with Iran on behalf of the United States, China, Russia, Britain, Germany and France. Without a deal, the stalemate over Iran's nuclear aspirations could boil over into a regional battle that could destabilize oil markets and damage the fragile global economy. In a series of negotiation rounds this year, neither side has been willing to budge. The six powers want Tehran to scale back its uranium enrichment program, and in particular to stop refining the element to levels close to weapons-grade, because of their suspicions that Tehran wants to acquire a nuclear bomb. 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |