Karabakh conflict not frozen, Markedonov saysFebruary 1, 2008 - 15:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "From time to time, Yerevan has to response to Baku's growing militarism. In January, Armenian Defense Minister Mikael Harutyunyan shocked media by tough statements not peculiar to Armenian officials," said Sergei Markedonov, head of the international relations department of the institute of political and military analysis. "The Minister stated that he leads an army which is ready to defense and attack. He warned that Azerbaijan might lose another 20% of its territories and receive extra 2 million refugees in case it wages ear," Markedonov reminded. "The January tour of the OSCE mediators was interspersed with optimistic statements. They visited Baku, Yerevan and Stepanakert. Moreover, they participated in a monitoring of the contact line. Consequently, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict can't be described as 'frozen'. There is dynamics but it's far from being positive," he said adding that the latest package proposed by the mediators is the best one they could ever develop, Politcom reports. 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. |