France, Germany, UK to hold talks with Iran in IstanbulJanuary 28, 2015 - 16:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - France, Germany and Britain will hold talks on Thursday, Jan 29, with Iran in Istanbul, the European Union said, as part of efforts to end a 12-year standoff over Tehran's atomic ambitions, Reuters reports. The talks will be at the level of political directors to lay the ground for a political deal by the end of June. The EU's political director, Helga Schmid, will also attend. "The meeting underlines the commitment and importance that the E3, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as the EU attach to making progress as soon as possible towards a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue," the EU said in a statement. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |