U.S. reinforcing troops in Europe irrespective of Trump's intentionsNovember 11, 2016 - 09:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States is continuing to reinforce its military forces in Europe as planned, irrespective of President-elect Donald Trump's future intentions, the Pentagon said Thursday, November 10, according to AFP. Trump, who will take office in January, raised serious concerns in Europe by promising during his campaign that U.S. engagement in NATO under his presidency would be conditional on members' payments to the alliance. Washington is scheduled to start deploying an additional combat brigade in Europe in February to bring the number of brigades on the continent to three. The plan is part of an effort to boost Eastern European defenses against possible attack by Russia. "We are executing plans as they were constructed with our NATO allies," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said. "We leave it to the next administration to speak their policy choices," he added. "We have one commander-in-chief at a time." The new brigade is set to begin its deployment with an exercise in Poland before sending companies to Bulgaria, Romania and the Baltic States, AFP says. Asked about the possibility that the current defense secretary, Ash Carter, would remain in office under Trump, Cook declined to comment on what he called "hypothetical" situations. Carter "is focused on his job right now and he wants to serve this president until the end of his term," he said. 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 | 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. |