Merkel, Hollande want extention of Russia sanctions over UkraineDecember 13, 2016 - 15:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - French President Francois Hollande said on Tuesday, December 13 that he backed extending sanctions on Russia over Ukraine, echoing similar comments from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with whom he had held a joint news conference, Reuters says. "We must continue to apply the terms of the Minsk agreement, and when they are not carried out, we must continue with sanctions," said Hollande. Earlier, Merkel said sanctions against Russia would have to be extended because of a lack of progress in implementing the Minsk ceasefire agreement. "It will be necessary to extend the sanctions against Russia again - although we would have wished for better progress in the implementation of this process," Merkel told reporters before talks with French President Francois Hollande in Berlin. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |