David Miliband: Eastern Partnership can be a step toward possible EU membershipOctober 28, 2009 - 11:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband sees the Eastern Partnership, the recently launched new framework for cooperation between the European Union and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine as a "step toward possible membership" of the Union. "To Europe's East, poor governance, the financial crisis, and frozen conflicts are critical causes of instability," he said speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. "The Eastern Partnership should be not only a stepping stone towards possible membership, but a crucial vehicle for stability, because through integration into the single market we can promote economic reform and drive economic growth; and if the countries on our east join the common energy community it will enhance not only their energy security but also our own," Mr. Miliband 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 | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |