Russia seeks control over Georgia’s Afghan weaponsMarch 27, 2012 - 19:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Weapons used by Georgian troops in Afghanistan should not be brought to Georgia, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Tuesday, March 27, RIA Novosti reported. “We view it as a very significant issue that weapons used by Georgian troops in Afghanistan should not be supplied to Georgia,” Lukashevich said, adding that Saakashvili’s regime could use them against Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Russian nationals residing there as well. The spokesman also warned against any military cooperation with Tbilisi, citing “the grave consequences for global and Caucasus security” that can be caused by “Saakashvili’s unstable and irresponsible regime.” The diplomat reiterated that Russia had filed a note to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow in 2011, following a statement that the United States was planning to supply M4 carbines and armored Hummers to Georgia. Georgia has one of the largest contingents in Afghanistan among non-NATO states. There are about 940 Georgian troops, serving in the southern Afghan Helmand province. Tbilisi is planning to increase its military presence in Afghanistan by 1685 troops in 2013. 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. |