Ilham Aliyev: Karabakh status issue of futureJuly 6, 2009 - 15:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Role of Russia as a mediator for resolution of the Nagorno Kraabkha conflict is significant, the Azerbaijani President said."The recent presidential meeting was efficient enough. We do see Russia's aspiration to help the sides reach an agreement. The process is complicated but we are moving in the right direction," Ilham Aliyev said. He said he understands the concerns of people living in Karabakh. "We are ready to consider the issue of secure overland communication," Aliyev said. "We do not see Nagorno Karabakh as an independent state. Our task is to ensure security of people of all nationalities and establish communication. We do not want war although we are building the military potential," he said. As to status of Karabakh, the Azerbaijani President said that the OSCE Minsk Group's proposals envisage gradual withdrawal of troops "from the occupied regions." "The initial stage supposes withdrawal from 5 regions. Withdrawal from Lachin and Kelbajar is expected within 5 years after the peace agreements come into effect. We think it's a compromise term," Aliyev said, Vesti TV channel reported. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Politico: Belarus delivered advanced weapons to Azerbaijan in 2018-2022 Belarus delivered advanced weapons to Armenia’s enemy even though both countries were supposedly allies in a defense pact. Armenia Security Council chief to attend Ukraine peace summit Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will take part in the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland. Armenian govt. approves ratification of EAEU-Iran free trade deal At a meeting on Friday, June 14, the Armenian government approved the ratification of an EAEU free trade agreement with Iran. Deputy U.S. Secretary of State to arrive in Yerevan Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will travel to Yerevan, Armenia from June 17-19 to. |