Finland, Sweden say will work more closely with NATOAugust 27, 2014 - 15:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Finland and Sweden say they will work more closely with NATO by signing a pact that allows assistance from alliance troops in the Nordic countries in emergency situations, the Associated Press reports. The Finnish government says the Host Nation Support agreement applies to situations which include "disasters, disruptions and threats to security." It also enables joint training exercises and military cooperation. Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja said Wednesday, Aug 27, that the pact does not mean Finland, which already trains and works closely with NATO in international operations, is joining the alliance. Opinion polls in neighboring Finland and Sweden show majority opposition to NATO membership. Finland shares a 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) border with Russia. 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |