NATO urges parties to Kosovo conflict to exercise maximum restraintFebruary 18, 2008 - 15:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "After the Kosovo declaration of independence, NATO is following ongoing developments closely. The North Atlantic Council will meet tomorrow to assess the situation," NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said. "All parties should recognize that KFOR will continue to fulfill its responsibility for a safe and secure environment throughout the territory of Kosovo, in accordance with UNSCR 1244, unless the Security Council decides otherwise. KFOR will continue to provide security for all citizens of Kosovo, majority and minority alike, in an impartial manner, just as before. "KFOR's force levels and chain of command are not altered by today's events. During this sensitive period, KFOR will respond swiftly and firmly against anyone who might resort to violence in Kosovo. "NATO urges all parties involved to exercise the maximum restraint and moderation," he said. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |