Ahmadinejad meets his newly elected successorJune 18, 2013 - 16:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has met his newly elected successor Hassan Rouhani. According to The Associated Press, a report by the official IRNA news agency said Ahmadinejad congratulated Rouhani for his Friday victory in the election. The meeting was aimed at "coordination" between the two. Rouhani, who won the election in the first round by taking nearly 51 percent of votes, said the country can promote welfare and global progress by "respecting differences." Under the law Ahmadinejad was not able to run for a third consecutive term. Rouhani has vowed for better ties with the world, and aims to reduce the West's sanctions against Iran over the country's disputed nuclear program. The West suspects Iran intends to use the program to build a weapon. Iran denies the charge. 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 | 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. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |