U.S. hails pro-Russian activists' moves to leave govt. buildings in UkraineMay 17, 2014 - 13:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The White House on Friday, May 16 welcomed as a "good development" moves by pro-Russian activists to leave government buildings they had seized in eastern Ukraine, according to the Associated Press. Local patrols by steelworkers have forced the pro-Russian activists to abandon the government buildings they had seized in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol. The move is a setback to forces that have established footholds in eastern Ukraine as they demonstrated opposition to the interim Ukrainian government in Kiev. "We certainly welcome any indication that separatists who ... have seized buildings, who have set up roadblocks, stockpiled weapons, are vacating buildings and ceasing the kinds of activities that have only destabilized the situation in Ukraine and led to confrontations and violence," White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters. "So that would certainly be a good development," he said. Carney noted that the moves come a little more than a week before a May 25 election to choose a permanent government The U.S. and its allies are working to help ensure that the elections go forward problem-free, and have warned Russia against trying to influence the outcome. "The situation is calm and preparations are on track," Carney said. "That's certainly a good thing and a welcome development." Photo: RIA Novosti 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 | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |