  French Senate votes to lift Russia sanctions June 9, 2016 - 10:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The French Senate has voted overwhelmingly to urge the government to gradually reduce economic sanctions on Russia, in a sign of growing opposition to sanctions in Europe, RFE/RL reports. The resolution to "gradually and partially" lift sanctions was approved 302-16 on June 8 despite opposition from France's Socialist government, which said the restrictions can be relaxed only when the Minsk peace deal for Ukraine is fully implemented. The vote was nonbinding but a barometer of rising frustration with the sanctions, which are due to expire next month. The European Union was Russia's biggest trading partner before 2014 when Russia's aggression in Ukraine prompted it to impose sanctions ranging from banning oil equipment exports to barring Russian banks from getting loans. In retaliation, Russia banned all food imports from the EU. As a result, EU agricultural exports to Russia plummeted by 50 percent last year and imports from Russia dropped by a third compared with 2013.   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 |  Latest news Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation  Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims.First Canadian expert join EU mission in Armenia The first Canadian expert to join the European Union’s civilian mission in Armenia has arrived in Armenia.Armenian cemetery in Fresno hit by arsons six times since January Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance.Iran vows to “decisively” defend sovereignty, national interests The Iranian embassy in Armenia has defended its “defensive and proportional action in in occupied Palestine.” |
