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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |