Koen Geens nominated to head Belgian finance ministryMarch 6, 2013 - 14:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A Belgian government spokesman says economics professor Koen Geens has been nominated to head the finance ministry, The Associated Press reported. Guillaume de Walque said Wednesday, March 6 the minister was sworn in by King Albert II, Belgium's ceremonial head of state, late Tuesday. The 55-year-old Geens faces an uphill battle as Belgium, whose economy is weakening, has a relatively high debt load, forcing the government to further tighten its budget. His predecessor, Steven Vanackere, resigned after a series of scandals shed a bad light on his Christian Democratic party's financial dealings with a bank that was bailed out by the government in the wake of the financial crisis. Vanackere denied any wrongdoing, but said Tuesday that the pressure of the constant allegations against him limited his ability to carry out his ministerial duties. 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 | 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. |