Iran starts new initiative for establishing consultations with regional countriesSeptember 16, 2008 - 19:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's ongoing shuttle diplomacy over the past days is directed at promoting peace and stability in the Caucasus region in the aftermath of the Georgian war, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said. Speaking after his meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank- Walter Steinmeier, Mottaki said a major objective of his mediation efforts in the Caucasus was "to establish and protect stability and security" in the region. Pointing to his recent trips to Russia and Azerbaijan as part of Iran's active diplomacy in the energy-rich Caucasus region, Mottaki added his country "started a new regional initiative for establishing consultations with regional countries." Iran's chief diplomat urged also European countries to support the regional initiative. He expressed hope mechanisms could be "reached for protecting security and peace in the region." "Everything will be complicated, if we don't find a solution. The military approach created problems in the region," the minister added. Mottaki warned also against "interference from countries and parties outside the region," IRNA 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |