Iranian FM to visit Moscow for talks with Putin, LavrovJanuary 13, 2014 - 17:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will head to Moscow Thursday, Jan 16, for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Iran's nuclear program and on regional issues including Syria, an official said, according to AFP. "Zarif will meet the Russian president as well as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during his one-day trip to Moscow on Thursday," Mehdi Sanaei, Iran's ambassador to Russia, told the official IRNA news agency. The visit comes as Moscow pushes for ally Iran to be allowed to participate in the so-called Geneva II Syria peace conference in Switzerland on Jan 22. "Talking and coordinating with Russian high-ranking officials on the current international and regional developments as well as (Iran's) stance in nuclear negotiations with P5+1 is on the agenda of the Foreign Minister," said Sanaei. Iran and the so-called 5+1 -- China, United-States, France, United Kingdom, Russia plus Germany -- have agreed that implementation of a landmark deal that curbs parts of Tehran's disputed nuclear program in exchange for partial relief of sanctions should take effect from Jan 20. Zarif, on a regional tour, is also due to travel to Damascus in the next few days, officials have said. Zarif has made it clear his country is not seeking an invitation to the Syria peace conference at all costs. "If we receive an invitation without any preconditions, we will participate in the Geneva II peace conference, but we won't act in order to receive an invitation," Zarif said in Beirut on Sunday. Iran is a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime and the Syrian opposition is strongly opposed to any Iranian participation in the talks. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |