Politicians in Baku exaggerate their country's role for the regionJune 20, 2009 - 14:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "Azeri politicians' statements about their country's role in the region sometimes sound exotic enough," Caucasus Institute Director Alexander Iskandaryan told a PanARMENIAN.Net correspondent. Iran's influence upon Azerbaijan is not so strong as commented by media. The thing is that Baku exaggerates its role for Israel, claiming that 20% of Israel's gas supply comes from Azerbaijan.Azeri political scientist Vafa Guluzade had previously announced that his country was still under Iran's strong influence. "This is why we don't have an embassy in Israel and Azerbaijani leadership has not so far visited Tel Aviv. Nonetheless, I have to say that 20% of oil supplied to Israel is Azerbaijani oil," Guluzede reported Azerbaijani media. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |