Montenegro's NATO membership "certain" despite Russia objectionNovember 3, 2016 - 16:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO's deputy chief says Montenegro's membership in the Western military alliance is progressing smoothly despite strong opposition from Russia, the Associated Press reports. NATO Deputy Secretary-General Rose Gottemoeller says that she expects that the tiny Balkan country will become a member in spring 2017 after all 28 NATO member states and Montenegro ratify the agreement in their parliaments. Gottemoeller said Thursday in Montenegro that "I think your membership in NATO is moving forward smoothly." Montenegro has been invited to join NATO despite strong opposition from its traditional Slavic ally Russia. Montenegrin officials have accused Russia of standing behind an alleged coup on election day in October to topple the pro-Western government because of its NATO bid. 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. |