EU, Russia to discuss situation in CaucasusNovember 14, 2008 - 14:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union's relations with Russia will be under the spotlight in the south of France today as efforts are made to rekindle the relationship between Moscow and Brussels. "I applaud the efforts that the French president is making to set up a full-scale, productive, long-term, profitable dialogue between Russia and the EU. We want exactly this kind of relationship with the Union and we think this is exactly what both Russia and Europe need," Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said. Although the summer war in Georgia opened up a schism between Russia and the West, talks are now resuming in Nice on a strategic treaty. EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner said: "Russia is a very important geopolitical actor, so we want to, of course, have a dialogue with Russia. But, at the same time, this does not mean that we change our position on, for instance, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It was disproportionate, the way Russia has answered in Georgia." Lithuania is opposed to the resumption of talks. But the EU knows it is hostage to crucial Russian energy supplies. Brussels is now planning a new electricity network and new European-run gas pipelines, Euronews 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. |