Russia seeks to protect its interests in South CaucasusNovember 2, 2009 - 12:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia pursues serious interests in South Caucasus and wants to protect them. Russia's linking its interests with progress in these complicated settlement processes is a positive sign, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Ambassador Peter Semneby stated. According to him, Russia is interested in Armenia's economic development. "Necessary conditions should be created to provide dynamic development. Opening of border with Turkey is the most important factor in RA economy growth. Armenian economy diversification and its intensification is in Russia's interests," the diplomat said. He also emphasized Armenia's participation in a number of EU programs, including European neighborhood policy and Eastern Partnership program. "Negotiations for EU associated membership will be launched soon, despite the fact whether the border will be opened or not. Eastern Partnership program, now, more than ever, is taking our neighbors' specifics in consideration, by offering mechanisms of problem's discussions, promoting further stabilization in the region," Vremya Novostey cited Peter Semneby as saying. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |