Russian ships to hold joint drills in MediterraneanDecember 25, 2012 - 20:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The presence of naval ships from all of Russia’s four fleets in the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Aden is part of planned combined naval drills in this strategically important region for Russia, a high-ranking official of the Russian General Staff said Tuesday, December 25, according to Russian media. Groups of ships from Russia’s Northern, Pacific, Baltic and Black Sea fleets will conduct anti-aircraft, anti-surface ship and anti-submarine warfare exercises with planned calling at foreign ports, including Tartus in Syria, he said. On Monday, Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov dismissed allegations by some media that Russian ships were carrying special task units and air defense missile operators to Syria. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Armenia calls for prohibiting threats of attacks on nuclear facilities Armenia has raised the need for a treaty prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes. Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. |