Russia: CSTO doors should be open to Azerbaijan tooMay 24, 2021 - 11:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The doors of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) should be open to everyone, including Azerbaijan, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said in an interview with Izvestia. Rudenko noted that the only thing that can restrict membership is certain provisions of the organization's charter, according to which, in order to join the CSTO, it is necessary to have diplomatic relations with its members. “There are no such relations yet between Azerbaijan and Armenia. When they are established – we hope that sooner or later this will happen – then this issue can also be put into practice in one form or another," Rudenko said. On the morning of May 12, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the border of Armenia in the southern province of Syunik, advancing 3.5 kilometers and surrounding Sev Lake, which is situated on the border between the two countries but is predominantly a part of Armenia. On May 13, the Azerbaijani military committed more border violations against Armenia, advancing near Vardenis (Gegharkunik province) and Sisian (Syunik province). Armenia has already asked CSTO for help but the Organization is still monitoring the situation "with concern." 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |