First phase of the CSTO exercises RRF In MoscowAugust 26, 2009 - 13:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The first stage of the exercises launched in Moscow aimed at application of the collective rapid reaction forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). According to the CSTO Secretariat, exercises are aimed at preparing and using the CSTO troops of member states for the benefit of the collective security. The exercises will take place in three phases on the territory of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. The collective force were created to protect the territorial integrity, sovereignty and security, managing large-scale crisis in the territory of the CSTO. Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are members of CSTO, Voice of Russia 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |