Lavrov: NATO plans on Afghanistan bases "controversial"September 12, 2012 - 15:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO's plans to retain military bases in Afghanistan after its combat troops withdraw by the end of 2014 are "controversial," Russia's Foreign Minister said on Wednesday, Sept 12, according to RIA Novosti. "We cannot ignore how the situation in this country is unfolding, especially in light of controversial statements that foreign troops will leave in 2014 but the bases will remain," Sergei Lavrov said at an international ministerial meeting in Kazakhstan. "We need clarity here: if the anti-terrorist mission is complete (and this is still in doubt), then are the bases being kept for some other purpose?" Lavrov said. It was not clear to which plans exactly Lavrov referred. U.S. President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai signed a long-term partnership agreement in May which set the conditions of an American withdrawal from the war-torn nation. The deal envisages that a number of U.S. personnel will remain in the country beyond 2014 working as military advisers and counterterrorism forces. But Obama said Washington was not seeking permanent bases in Afghanistan. "We will not build permanent bases in this country, nor will we be patrolling its cities and mountains," Obama said in May. "That will be the job of the Afghan people." NATO was not immediately available for comment. 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |