Russian Foreign Ministry called forthcoming Georgian presidential elections farceNovember 15, 2007 - 19:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The impression that the preterm elections in Georgia will turn into a naked farce is corroborated, says a comment issued by the department of information and press at the Russian Foreign Ministry. "Mikhael Saakashvili's recent statements came as start of his election campaign despite demands of the international community to lift the emergency rule and stop persecution of oppositionists The date for the elections was fixed in an intention to deprive the opposition leaders from any possibility to organize a proper campaign. Furthermore, the authorities staked on low appearance of the voters which will be conditioned by the New Year and Christmas holidays," the statement says. "Undisguised Russophobia becomes the core of the election campaign," it says. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |