  Further expansion of NATO could have a negative effect on Alliance vitalityMarch 26, 2009 - 21:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - German Minister of Defense Franz-Josef Jung has noted that further expansion of NATO could have a negative effect on Alliance vitality. "An Open Door Policy should be effected with care toward countries seeking NATO membership. We must set clear limits for Alliance expansion in new NATO strategy." "Granting NATO membership to aspirant countries of Albania and Croatia is on NATO Jubilee Summit agenda. Macedonia can gain NATO membership upon settling the country name issue with Greece. Inviting Ukraine and Georgia to join NATO is still a possibility, as announced at 2008 Bucharest Summit," Saarbrücker Zeitung cited Franz-Josef Jung as saying.   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 Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
