Azerbaijan may also open borders with Armenia?September 9, 2009 - 13:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijan is ready to open its border with Armenia and establish formal relations if Yerevan returns five regions adjacent to Nagorno Karabakh, an Azerbaijani official has said.Elkhan Polukhov, spokesperson for Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Tuesday that Azerbaijan may consider opening its borders with Armenia in case of a breakthrough in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. "It has been said in earlier statements from Azerbaijani officials that Azerbaijan is ready to open borders and restore dialogue with Armenia if the first stage of a plan to resolve the conflict is implemented," he said, Today's Zaman reported. Azerbaijan, a close ally of Turkey and a key natural gas supplier for the proposed Nabucco project destined to reach Europe, earlier criticized Turkey's own plans to open its border with Armenia, closed in 1993 in a show of solidarity with Azerbaijan in its war with Armenia over Nagorno Karabakh. 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 | 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. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |