Brexit has weakened Europe, Russia’s Deputy PM saysSeptember 3, 2016 - 11:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Brexit has weakened Europe and created uncertainties about its future, Russia's deputy prime minister has said, according to BBC News. Arkady Dvorkovich explained to BBC Newsnight: "For Russia it's important that Europe is strong. We need strong partners to go forward, and the British decision to leave Europe made Europe a little bit weaker at this point". Dvorkovich, who oversees economic policy for his government, argues that "the whole process [of Brexit]... creates uncertainties". So what about the argument, oft repeated by Remainers during the referendum campaign, that President Vladimir Putin was rooting for Brexit because he wanted to undermine European unity and see the British, as a consistent voice in favour of sanctions on Russia over its policy in Ukraine, removed from the counsels of the EU? Dvorkovich answered: "That's just not true." Echoing his president, the Russian deputy prime minister argued that the UK's eventual withdrawal would not make a big difference to the European Union's internal debates over sanctions. Dvorkovich says that the economic platform against his country, which he characterised as "counter-productive, it brings losses to all parties", was the result, even in Europe, "mostly [of] the influence of the United States". Related links: 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |