  Georgia turns down Russia’s bid for rapprochement March 3, 2012 - 12:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - If Russia reviews its decision of August 26, 2008 on recognition of the so-called republics (South Ossetia and Abkhazia) and starts de-occupation of our state, we will be ready to restore relations, Sergey Kapanadze, Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia said. Before that, restoration of diplomatic relations is out of question, Georgian official told “Echo of Moscow” radio station. Earlier, representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Lukashevich had voiced Russia’s readiness to restore diplomatic relations with Georgia. However, rapprochement between the two states seems to be limited to introduction of visa-free regime initiated first by Georgia (Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili signed a decree permitting Russian citizens’ stay on Georgian territory without visa for 3 months).   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 |  Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
