Belarus banishes EU envoys, pulls own ambassadorsFebruary 28, 2012 - 20:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Belarus has asked the European Union and Polish ambassadors to leave the country and recalled its own ambassadors in response to new EU sanctions, AP reported. The moves announced Tuesday, February 28 by the foreign ministry came one day after the EU Council voted to add 21 names to a list of some 200 Belarusian officials prevented from travelling to EU countries because of human rights violations. The officials also face an assets freeze. The EU sanctions target Belarus' repression of political opposition. The sanctions date to the December 2010 presidential elections, in which more than 700 people including seven candidates were arrested after a massive protest against alleged vote fraud. Strongman President Alexander Lukashenko was declared winner of a new term in the election. 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 |