Russia denies Iranian general visited MoscowAugust 14, 2015 - 13:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A senior Russian diplomat on Friday, Aug 14, denied claims that an Iranian general has visited Moscow in violation of the United Nations sanctions, the Associated Press reports. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Moscow assured Washington that Maj. Gen. Ghasem Soleimani, the commander of the elite Quds Force in Iran's Revolutionary Guard, hadn't visited Moscow. "I have no information whatsoever that he visited Russia," Ryabkov said, adding that Moscow had told Washington so and was surprised to hear the continuing expression of concern from the U.S. It was earlier reported that Soleimani visited Moscow last month for meetings with President Vladimir Putin and his defense minister. Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov had earlier denied that the president had no such meeting. U.S. officials have said Washington was trying to determine if Soleimani had traveled to Moscow in violation of the UN travel ban. Soleimaini has been on the UN sanctions blacklist since 2007, which also requires that all countries freeze his overseas assets. 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 | Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. |