Egypt FM urges two-state solution in rare visit to IsraelJuly 11, 2016 - 10:10 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Egypt's foreign minister has paid a rare visit to Israel, offering his country's help to revive peace talks with the Palestinians, BBC News reports. Sameh Shoukry called for a two-state solution, but said conditions for achieving it were deteriorating. His trip is seen as a sign of strengthened ties between two countries sharing deep concerns over regional unrest. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has said he welcomes Egypt's efforts. The last round of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians came to an end amid acrimony in April 2014. The Palestinians accused Israel of reneging on a deal to free prisoners, while Israel said it would not continue negotiations after the Palestinians decided to bring the militant Islamist Hamas movement into a unity government. Shoukry, the first Egyptian foreign minister to visit Israel in nine years, said the current state of affairs was "neither stable nor sustainable". He added that the vision of two states living side by side was "not far-fetched" and called for confidence-building measures that could lead to renewed peace talks. "It is no longer acceptable to claim that the status quo is the most that we can achieve of the hopes and aspirations of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples," he said, alongside Mr Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Shoukry met the Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, in the West Bank on 29 June. 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. |