NATO to keep 12,000 troops in Afghanistan in 2016December 2, 2015 - 10:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO foreign ministers have agreed to keep about 12,000 troops in Afghanistan through next year, while pushing forward with a funding drive to help the country through 2020, the Associated Press reports. Alliance Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed the commitments — roughly 7,000 U.S. troops and 5,000 from other NATO member states and partners — following a meeting on Afghanistan Tuesday, December 1, as part of a two-day gathering of NATO foreign ministers. Stoltenberg called it a "very substantive" meeting on the Resolute Support mission that provides advice, training and assistance to Afghan security forces. As of October, NATO had over 13,100 troops in Afghanistan. Stoltenberg also said several allies had given "a number of pledges" for new funding for Afghanistan, and NATO was hoping to firm up decisions on funding at its July summit in Warsaw. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. 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. |