U.S. Senate to debate ambassadorial nominations for Azerbaijan, Turkey on Oct. 5October 2, 2010 - 12:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - On October 5, 2010, the U.S. Senate is set to vote on nominations of Matthew Bryza and Francis Ricciardone to serve as U.S. Ambassadors to Azerbaijan and Turkey respectively. The hearing will be led by the Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Senator John Kerry. Should the Senate disapprove both candidates, the President will have to name new nominees. At an August 3 hearing, Senator Kerry announced that, at the request of fellow committee member Barbara Boxer(D-CA), a vote on the nomination of Matthew Bryza would be postponed until after Congress's summer recess. The postponement of the vote on his nomination as ambassador to Azerbaijan followed a July 22 confirmation hearing by the same Senate committee, in which Bryza faced tough questions on his diplomatic record - including concerns that in the past, he has not held Azerbaijan adequately responsible for its role in the continuing tensions with Armenia. On September 21, following the Foreign Relations Committee vote, Senator Boxer placed a hold on Bryza’s nomination. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. 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. |