Over 32 thousand Abkhazian-Armenians received new passportsDecember 7, 2009 - 18:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Republic of Abkhazia has issued citizen passports to 99% (146 121 individuals) of its residents representing all the 85 ethnic groups living in the country. Among the individuals granted citizen status. 73 622 are reported to be Abkhazians, 17 795 - Russians, 12 156 - Georgians, 2 138 - Abazins and 1500 - Greeks.Abkhazian authorities made the decision to enable all ethnic group's participation in votings. Under a recent amendment to Abkhazia's electoral legislation (dated October 7, 2009), only holders of Abkhazian passports have the right to participate in local elections. Presidential elections in Georgia's breakaway republic are scheduled for December 12, 2009, Analitika.at.ua reported. 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |