CSTO to deploy troops and missile defense shield in Central AsiaSeptember 12, 2008 - 19:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Member countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) - Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan - agreed to deploy troops and missile defense shield in Central Asia to 'control the situation over tensions in Afghanistan.'"Collective forces of quick deployment consisting of 10 battalions will form the backbone of the contingent," CSTO Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha said. "Russia is the only country to ensure security of Abkhazia and South Ossetia," he said, adding that neither of the republics requested membership in the Organization yet. "The CSTO is open for new members but we are interested in countries, which are really interested in cooperation," he emphasized. Early this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Abkhazia and South Ossetia's joining the CSTO is juridically impossible, as they have not been recognized by international institutes yet, Russian media 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 | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |