Iranian FM to visit Moscow to discuss nuclear issueJuly 27, 2011 - 18:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi will visit Moscow at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss Tehran's controversial nuclear drive. "Regarding Mr Lavrov's invitation to Mr Salehi ... the topics of discussion will be elevating bilateral relations, studying regional and international developments," Foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told a media conference. "We welcome Russia's positive efforts to try to find a diplomatic solution and replace (existing) wrong solutions of threat and pressure," Mehmanparast added without detailing when such visit will take place. He was alluding to an idea raised in mid-July in Washington by Lavrov aimed at restarting talks between Iran and major world powers on "step-by-step" approach. The Iranian nuclear issue has been the centre of bitter row between Tehran and the major powers. Iran has been slapped by six UN Security Council resolutions, including four backed by sanctions, condemning its nuclear programme that the major powers and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suspected of having a military dimension despite repeated denials from Tehran. Washington and the EU have strengthened UN sanctions by a severe economic and political embargo against Islamic republic, focusing in particular on the banking and oil sectors, AFP reported. 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 | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |