Azerbaijani side interested in trips to KarabakhJuly 7, 2009 - 13:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijanii media reports and comments concerning Armenian and Azei intellectuals' recent initiative present distortion of real facts, NKR Foreign Ministry says in a release. By expressing consent to host Armenian and Russian intellectuals under the leadership of Armenian and Russian Ambassadors to Russia Armen Smbatyan and Polad Bulbologlu and Russian President's Envoy for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy, NKR leadership demonstrated its successive goodwill gesture, reiterating its commitment to peaceful settlement of NKR conflict, says the release. "As regards certain divergences concerning Azeri delegation's staff and route, it was changed at NKR's demand. Milli Majilis deputy Khavva Mamedova and delegation member Chingiz Ismayilov were removed from delegation list because of their anti-Karabakh and anti-Armenian statements. Considering Azeri side's interest in the trip, we can easily assume that official Baku seeks ways to make radical changes in negotiation format and conduct direct talks with NKR. Such mutual visits are quite notable in terms of their impulse aiming to relax tension between conflicting parties. That's first of all because Azerbaijani intellectuals made sure once again that they were dealing with an accomplished state which overcame difficulties and obstacles caused by Azerbaijani aggression, and now has excellent pre-requisites for achieving international recognition," the release goes on saying. 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 |