  U.S. intelligence eyes Caucasus as hot spotFebruary 13, 2009 - 12:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Caucasus still remains a hot spot, U.S. national intelligence director said."Six months after the Russians-Georgian clashes over South Ossetia and Abkhazia, these regions are still flash points," Dennis Blair said during a Senate panel hearing. "Although the political situation in Georgia is far more stable now, President Saakashvili faces the increasing criticism of the opposition. His reaction can either strengthen democracy in his country or rebound it," he said.   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 |  Related sections Latest news 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.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. |
