OSCE, UN and EU set next date for Georgia discussionsOctober 16, 2008 - 14:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The OSCE, UN and EU co-chaired discussions on Georgia in Geneva and it was agreed the parties would meet again next month. "Today, we have started the process of international discussions," said Ambassador Heikki Talvitie, the Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. "All participants came to Geneva and showed their willingness to engage. They all expressed their views." He noted that the other two co-chairs - Ambassador Johan Verbeke of the UN and Ambassador Pierre Morel of the EU - and he had decided to adjourn the day's afternoon discussions. The next session was set for 18 November. "Our three organizations are fully committed to take this process forward," Talvitie said. "Our aim is very practical; to strengthen stability in the region and improve the humanitarian situation ," he added, the OSCE communications unit reported. Georgian and Russian officials gathered in Geneva on October 15 for key talks on the recent conflict over Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia. The talks - which were mediated by the UN, the EU and the OSCE - aimed at encouraging stability and security in the Caucasus. On Tuesday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in Geneva, "The international discussion that shall take place tomorrow is a beginning. This should not be seen as the end. "It may take time, so we need to have some patience," he added. The U.S. did not object participation of the breakaway republics in talks. 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. |