Russian, Ukrainian President to hold talks in ParisOctober 2, 2015 - 12:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to meet leaders of Ukraine, France and Germany in a revived European push to bring peace to eastern Ukraine, the Associated Press reports. The long-awaited summit in Paris on Friday, October 2, is being overshadowed by international concerns about Russia's military intervention in Syria this week. A senior French diplomat expressed guarded optimism about Friday's talks, which are expected to address more autonomy for eastern regions and withdrawing weapons. French President Francois Hollande, in proposing the meeting, praised progress in implementing a troubled February peace deal and said if that continues, "I will argue for lifting the sanctions." EU sanctions and a subsequent Russian embargo have hurt many European companies. The conflict between government forces and Russia-backed separatists has killed more than 8,000 and displaced 2 million since April 2014. 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 | 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. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. 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. |