Georgia not in talks on Iranian gas purchase over high prices: MinisterMarch 1, 2016 - 12:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgia is not in talks on the purchase of Iranian gas for now due to high prices, Deputy Prime Minister and Georgian Energy Minister said on Monday, February 29, Azerbaijani media report. “Transportation of Iranian gas to Georgia is possible through the territory of either Azerbaijan or Armenia,” Kakha Kaladze said. “The prices, however, are not competitive, so the issue of Iranian gas purchase can only be discussed in the future.” Earlier, the president of Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR Rovnag Abdullayev said the country will supply additional 500 million cubic meters (mcm) of gas per year to Georgia. “Previously, we supplied 800 mcm of gas to Georgia from the Shah Deniz gas field annually,” he said. “We have managed to increase the supply through that route to 1.5 billion cubic meters (bcm), also raising the exported gas volumes to 1.5 bcm via a pipeline connecting the two countries in Azerbaijan’s Gazakh district.” 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 |