Russia expects Belarus, Syria, Libya, Jordan and Morocco to recognize Abkhazia and South OssetiaSeptember 10, 2008 - 14:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia established diplomatic relations with Tskhinvali and Sukhumi yesterday. In the near future, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will sign intergovernmental agreements on friendship and cooperation with the leaders of the two freshly recognized republics. Among other things, the agreements propose the placement of Russian military bases on the territories of the republics. Moscow is hoping that other countries will begin to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia. There is particular hope for Belarus, Syria, Libya, Jordan and Morocco. The CSTO member states have not taken a decision yet. Abkhazian Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba said the heads of state plan to sign the agreements in the nearest future. After that, they may be supplemented by individual bilateral agreements. "There is a point in the conciliated document on military cooperation with Russia, but still it is a general political agreement. We have plans to conclude a separate agreement on military cooperation," Shamba said. Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov reported to the Russian president that an agreement had been reached with the South Ossetian and Abkhazian authorities that the Russian military contingent will consist of 3800 people in each republic. "The structure of the forces and their placed of stationing have been determined. In South Ossetia, that will be the cities of Dzhava and Tskhinvali, and in Abkhazia so far that is the places where peacekeepers were," the Minister said, Kommersant daily 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. |