EU foreign policy chief to visit IsraelOctober 22, 2012 - 15:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton will meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials on Wednesday, Oct 24, and Thursday as a part of a five-day visit to the Middle East, The Jerusalem Post reported. Ashton is scheduled to meet in Jerusalem with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak. The EU foreign affairs chief will also meet with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. "This is a critical time for the wider Middle East. The close cooperation between the European Union and our partners in the region is essential to help us deal with the political, strategic and humanitarian challenges we face at this time. The objective of this trip is to take this cooperation forward as effectively as possible," Ashton said. 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. |