U.S., NATO send written response on Russia's security demandsJanuary 27, 2022 - 15:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States and NATO said on Wednesday, January 27 that they delivered written replies to security demands that Russia had made, Deutsche Welle reports. It comes amid heightened tensions and repeated warnings that Russia could be preparing military action against Ukraine. Russia had demanded security guarantees that Ukraine would never join NATO, and that the alliance stops its eastward expansion — which the U.S. and NATO rejected. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the document addressed Moscow's concerns and raised those of Washington's allies but made no concessions. "Putting things in writing is... a good way to make sure we're as precise as possible, and the Russians understand our positions, our ideas, as clearly as possible. Right now, the document is with them and the ball is in their court," he told reporters. Blinken said he would speak with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in the coming days. The letter would not be made public, "because we think that diplomacy has the best chance to succeed," Blinken said. 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 |