Merkel urges ceasefire for Malaysian plane crash investigationJuly 19, 2014 - 14:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday, July 18, called for a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine to ensure an independent investigation into the Malaysia Airlines crash, and to find a political solution to the conflict, according to RIA Novosti. "An independent investigation must be carried out. For that, a ceasefire is required," the chancellor said, adding that the Russian president and government must contribute to the political resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. The German chancellor also expressed condolences to the relatives of the victims of the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 crash. The plane crashed near the town of Torez in the Donetsk Region while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. All 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board were killed. "My thoughts are with the victims and their relatives. There were four Germans among those killed. I spoke to colleagues from the Netherlands and expressed condolences not only on my behalf, but on behalf of all Germans," Merkel said. She supported the theory that the plane was downed. Kiev blamed the pro-Russian armed groups in the turbulent Donetsk region earlier for downing the passenger plane with a surface-to-air missile. Militia forces said they had no missile systems that could hit a target flying at an altitude of 10,000 meters. 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 | 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. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |