Russia not going to establish 2nd military base in ArmeniaSeptember 10, 2007 - 15:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Statements that Armenia and Russia exercise vassal relations are made by a group of oppositionists, who express their personal opinion, RA Ambassador to Russia Armen Smbatian said."I speak as an ambassador, who is perfectly aware of Armenia and its interests in Russia. Let's take the energy sector, 80 per cent of which is owned by Russia. Some ten years ago our republic suffered from lack of electricity and heating. We did not know how to live. Today we are ready to sell great amount of electric power. I do not see problems. If such emerge we always try to solve them at the level of foreign ministers, embassies, entrepreneurs. Our population estimated the rise in prices for gas as a non-constructive step. I have numerously explained that the decision proceeded from Russia's pragmatic and economic interests. The problem was resolved and, as result, a new mutually beneficial document was signed," he said. The Armenian diplomat emphasized that there is not need in establishment of another military base in Armenia. "I wish we could pay more attention to the economic relations. Absence of firm economic basis may jeopardize cultural, scientific and other ties," Amb. Smbatian said in an interview with Nezavisimaya Gazeta. 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. |