UN chief ‘deeply concerned’ over Crimea referendumMarch 17, 2014 - 22:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The UN says Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is "deeply disappointed and concerned" that the referendum in Crimea will exacerbate the crisis in Ukraine. Ukraine's government and Western nations say the overwhelming vote in favor of Crimea joining Russia is illegal. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Monday, March 17, that Ban is urging all parties to refrain from violence "and those with influence to avoid any steps that could further increase tensions." He said the secretary-general is also urging the parties to pursue a political and diplomatic solution based on the principles of the UN Charter, "including respecting Ukraine's unity and sovereignty," that keeps in mind the aspirations of all people in the country. "A deterioration of the situation will have serious repercussions for the people of Ukraine, the region and beyond," Dujarric said. 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |