EU pledges $168mln to assist producers hit by Russia's banAugust 18, 2014 - 15:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Commission is pledging 125 million euros ($168 million) to assist fruit and vegetable producers hit by Russia's ban on food imports from the 28-nation bloc. According to the Associated Press, it said Monday, Aug 18, the funds will help those selling products like tomatoes, carrots, peppers, apples and pears. Russia's ban on EU food imports this month coincided with the harvesting season and led to a supply glut that is weighing on prices and causing losses for producers. The Commission aims to compensate producers who decide to not harvest some of their goods or give products away for free. Russia is the main export market for many EU fruits and vegetables. Moscow banned imports in retaliation for EU and U.S. sanctions against Russia introduced over what the West sees as Russia's destabilization of Ukraine. Related links: Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. 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. |