U.S.: Karabakh Conflict Parties Close to Settlement as NeverMay 17, 2006 - 15:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza stated that "the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict are as close to the settlement as never". In his words, the U.S. considers the next several months to be a real "window of possibilities". Matthew Bryza also remarked that the Armenian and Azerbaijani governments should demonstrate political courage to overcome the discrepancies. According to another U.S. State Department representative David E. Appleton, progress can be proved by the fact that Baku requested the U.N. Refugee Agency to develop a program for the return of refugees after the signing of a peaceful agreement, reported RFE/RL. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Iran, Russia discuss Caucasus developments Ali Bagheri Kani and Igor Khovaev, have reviewed the developments in the Caucasus region. Armenia Defense Minister travels to France A delegation headed by Defense Minister Suren Papikyan will travel to France, according to a statement from the Defense Ministry. Armenia, U.S. talk defense, security matters Secretary of the Armenian Security Council Armen Grigoryan met with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Armenia, Ukraine discuss bilateral relations Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council Armen Grigoryan met with Ukrainian Foreign Dmytro Kuleba on June 16. |