Moscow-Tbilisi relations in "strategic tolerance" regime: GeorgiaFebruary 7, 2017 - 11:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili has said that the relationship between Moscow and Tbilisi is currently based on "strategic tolerance" and has its difficulties, especially with regard to the issue of Abkhazia's independence, Sputnik reports. "The relationship with Russia remains in the regime of strategic tolerance, which has its difficulties. I mean the agreements on strategic partnership made with Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region [in South Ossetia], which are very problematic," Margvelashvili told Iberia TV broadcaster. Diplomatic ties between Russia and Georgia were broken in 2008 following Russia’s recognition of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali's independence. Since then, relations between the two states have remained tense with Georgia edging closer to the West. Tbilisi does not recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and considers them part of Georgia. 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. |