Russia not planning to join EUOctober 17, 2008 - 18:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia is a self-sufficient country and has no intention to join the European Union, Vladimir Chizhov, RF permanent representative to the EU, said when commenting on Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi's statement."We have every reason to develop independently, but not as a part of a union," Chizhov said, adding that Russia has some obligations to its neighbors, the former USSR republics, Russian media reports. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Wednesday that he is in favor of Russia becoming a member of the European Union, a "vision" he has held for several years. "I consider Russia to be a Western country and my plan is for the Russian Federation to be able to become a member of the European Union in the coming years," Berlusconi told reporters in Brussels. 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. 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. |