Mikheil Saakashvili offers to hold unconditional peace talks with RussiaNovember 23, 2010 - 15:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili says he plans to offer to hold unconditional peace talks with Russia - two years after the two countries went to war over a breakaway Georgian republic. In an interview with France’s Le Figaro newspaper published Monday, November 22, Mr. Saakashvili said he will formally make his offer during a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The Georgian leader said he also plans to renounce the unilateral use of force. Mr. Saakashvili called his plans “controversial,” saying “any country that is occupied is obligated to fight to defend its sovereignty.” He said he does not want to see Georgia wind up like Afghanistan, VOA News reported. Georgia and Russia fought a brief war in 2008 over the pro-Russian breakaway Georgian republic of South Ossetia. Russia quickly overwhelmed the Georgian forces and later recognized South Ossetia and another breakaway republic, Abkhazia, as independent countries. 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. |