Bush backs Ukraine, Georgia for NATOApril 2, 2008 - 17:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President George W. Bush arrived in Romania Tuesday ready to back Ukraine and Georgia's bid to join NATO in the face of French concern that it would upset the balance of power in Europe.According to excerpts of remarks he will make to NATO leaders at their summit here late Wednesday, Bush is also set to urge them to "finish the fight" in Afghanistan, where the alliance is struggling against a Taliban insurgency. On a stop-over in Kiev, on his way to NATO's biggest-ever gathering, Bush said Washington wanted to see former Soviet republics Ukraine and Georgia given a Membership Action Plan (MAP) - a formal step to joining NATO. "I strongly believe that Ukraine and Georgia should be given MAP and there's no trade-offs, period," Bush told reporters, alongside Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko. "My position is absolutely solid. Ukraine and Georgia should be given MAP." Bush said that extending the initial invitation to Ukraine and Georgia would signal to their citizens "that if they continue on the path of democracy and reform they will be welcomed into the institutions of Europe." It would signal to the wider region, including Russia, that the two "are, and will remain, sovereign and independent states," the AFP reports. 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. |