Russia to host talks on elimination of Syria's chemical weaponsDecember 24, 2013 - 20:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia will host international talks on Friday, Dec 27, on the elimination of Syria's chemical weapons, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said. The meeting in Moscow will draw together experts from Russia, the United States, Syria, the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ryabkov told Voice of Russia radio on Tuesday, according to Reuters. Syria agreed to abandon its chemical weapons under a deal proposed by Russia to avert potential U.S. military action after a deadly Aug 21 sarin gas attack the United States blamed on President Bashar al-Assad's government. A plan adopted by the OPCW in The Hague last month called for the most critical chemicals to be transported out of Syria by Dec 31 and destroyed by mid-March. All other declared chemical materials would be eliminated by June 30. "We are certain that we will be able to complete this process in the agreed timeframe, meaning in the first half of the coming year," said Ryabkov. Russia sent trucks and armored vehicles to Syria last week to transport toxins to the port city of Latakia for shipment out of the war zone by sea. Russia has been Assad's most powerful supporter during the Syrian conflict, blocking attempts to push him from power or punish him with sanctions. Along with the United States and the United Nations, Russia is helping to organize a peace conference scheduled to start on January 22 in Switzerland. Related links: 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 | 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. 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. |