U.S. lawmakers urge Obama to provide lethal weapons to UkraineMarch 6, 2015 - 08:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Leading Republicans and Democrats have urged President Barack Obama to provide lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine in its fight against pro-Russian armed groups, BBC News reported. In a letter, House Speaker John Boehner and other lawmakers said Russia's actions in Ukraine were a "grotesque violation of international law". They said that a recent truce had only consolidated rebel gains in the east. The bipartisan letter signed by 11 lawmakers said Russia's actions in Ukraine were "a challenge to the West and an assault on the international order established at such great cost in the wake of World War II." "We urge you to quickly approve additional efforts to support Ukraine's efforts to defend its sovereign territory, including through the transfer of lethal defense weapons systems to the Ukrainian military." The lawmakers said they believed this was the only way Ukraine could now "deter and defend against further aggression". They also displayed impatience with the European Union, arguing there was a "lack of clarity" in the West's policy on the Ukraine issue and that President Obama should lead the way. A number of U.S. politicians have been pressing Obama for some time to arm Ukraine, criticizing him for his indecisiveness. The president has repeatedly stated he is studying such an option if diplomacy fails to end the crisis. 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. 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. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” |