Poland's new PM seeks greater U.S. military presenceOctober 1, 2014 - 16:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Poland's new Prime Minister says she will seek a greater U.S. military presence in Poland because the conflict in neighboring Ukraine has made Poland's security and the U.S.-Polish relationship even more important, the Associated Press reports. Speaking Wednesday, Oct 1, at her inauguration, Ewa Kopacz promised to take a "pragmatic" approach to Ukraine but said she would not agree to a change in Europe's borders by force, as happened in Crimea. Kopacz took over from Donald Tusk, democratic Poland's longest-serving Prime Minister, who is soon to hold a key European Union job. Kopacz said her government will make "every effort to obtain a greater U.S. military presence in Poland." She indicated her team would continue Tusk's policies of strengthening Poland's position in the 28-nation EU and seeking to build a strong joint policy. Her government is to serve one year until a national election next fall. Kopacz said she would urge the EU to develop a common energy policy to protect individual countries against Russia's monopoly gas practices. Poland and other Central European countries are highly dependent on Russian gas and fear that Moscow could cut supplies in the winter, as it has done before, to exert pressure. Kopacz also supported Poland's eventual adoption of the euro currency, but didn't commit herself to a date. She faces a confidence vote in parliament later Wednesday but her center-right Civic Platform party and its junior partner, the Polish People's Party, enjoy a majority in the lower house. Related links: Related issues: 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 | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |