Russia, Turkey open railroad ferry link across Black SeaFebruary 19, 2013 - 21:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia and Turkey officially opened the first railroad ferry link across the Black Sea at a ceremony attended by the country’s transport ministers on Tuesday, Feb 19, according to RIA Novosti. The agreement establishing a rail-ferry link between the port of Caucasus in south Russia and the Turkish Black Sea port of Samsun was signed in May 2010. “The ferry has been operated since December 2010 in a test mode. Its freight capacity last year alone increased threefold to over 40,000 tons,” Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said at the launch ceremony. The ferry service’s capacity is expected to grow to 100,000 tons a year by the start of next year, Sokolov said. The ferry allows “delivery of cargo from Turkey to Russia and the countries of Central Asia and back in the shortest time possible and with the least cost,” rail monopoly Russian Railways said in a statement. 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |