ARMENIA PLAYS EXCEPTIONAL ROLE IN "PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE" NATO PROGRAMMay 15, 2003 - 19:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia plays an exceptional role in "Partnership for Peace" NATO program, and the decision to hold "Cooperative Best Effort - 2003" military exercises in the country this June will benefit not only Armenia, but also the whole of the region. NATO secretary general George Robertson told journalists upon his arrival in Yerevan last evening. In his words, Armenia's active cooperation with the NATO will let the North-Atlantic Alliance provide greater support to the republic. Commenting on the creation of the Organization of the Treaty on Collective Security (OTCS), Robertson noted the NATO welcomed efforts of all countries to ensure their own security on individual and collective bases. "I do not think the OTCS will compete with the NATO, it will rather complete the activities of the North-Atlantic Alliance and will contribute to common security," - he 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 |