Superpowers didn't press for Armenia-Turkey protocols signatureOctober 30, 2009 - 13:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The opinion that Armenia-Turkey protocols were signed under the pressure of superpowers is erroneous, Armenia's top diplomat said. "Superpowers support the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey but signing of protocols is the result of agreements achieved by the two countries," Edward Nalbandian said during a joint news conference with his Belarusian counterpart Sergei Martynov. "Armenia doesn't take decisions under pressure of third countries," he said. Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu signed the Swiss-mediated deal in Zurich on October 10 at a ceremony also attended by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and France's Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner. 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. |