Joint efforts essential for establishment of peace and stability in CaucasusFebruary 9, 2009 - 12:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Caucasus, which has been expelled from vital international processes for 70 years, has asserted its positions as a communication corridor and energy transportation route. It has also become a democracy platform, Armenian President said. "Today, despite disagreement on some issues, South Caucasus states have gained a foothold as international players. Armenia is a country, which believes in peace and cooperation values," Serzh Sargsyan said when addressing the 45th Munich Security Conference. "Regional cooperation and dialogue is the only way to establish peace and stability throughout the region and we should join efforts for the purpose," he added. "I believe that some regional leaders can offer unconventional ideas and demonstrate political will. I am optimist about the future of our region," Sargsyan said, the President's press office reported. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |