EU will extand sanctions against Russia: MerkelJune 29, 2016 - 10:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel confirmed Tuesday, June 28 night that the European Union would extend economic sanctions against Russia, The Wall Street Journal reports. Citing an agreed ceasefire in Ukraine that has never gotten off the ground, Merkel said that she and French President François Hollande made clear to EU leaders in Brussels “that the extension of the sanctions...is sadly necessary.” EU ambassadors agreed last week in principle to extend the sanctions by six months, to the end of January 2017. The decision was delayed because of Italian demands that it be discussed first at the EU leaders meeting and a French requirement to run the measures by its parliament. It is expected that the formal rollover of the sanctions will now happen in the coming days. “There’s nothing stopping the extension of the sanctions,” Merkel said, following a meeting of EU heads of state in Brussels on Tuesday, WSJ says. In the end, there was only a brief discussions of sanctions at the EU leaders meeting. European Council President Donald Tusk has promised a broader discussion of EU sanctions on Russia and EU ties with its eastern neighbor for October. 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 | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. 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. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |