U.S.: Karabakh Conflict Parties Close to Settlement as NeverMay 17, 2006 - 15:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza stated that "the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict are as close to the settlement as never". In his words, the U.S. considers the next several months to be a real "window of possibilities". Matthew Bryza also remarked that the Armenian and Azerbaijani governments should demonstrate political courage to overcome the discrepancies. According to another U.S. State Department representative David E. Appleton, progress can be proved by the fact that Baku requested the U.N. Refugee Agency to develop a program for the return of refugees after the signing of a peaceful agreement, reported RFE/RL. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |