Obama welcomes upcoming Middle East peace talks July 29, 2013 - 21:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Barack Obama has welcomed Middle East peace talks due to begin in Washington later, but cautioned that "hard choices" lie ahead, according to BBC News. He spoke after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry named a former U.S. ambassador to Israel as the lead negotiator. The talks, stalled since 2010, follow six visits to the Middle East in the last five months by Kerry. The talks were confirmed hours after Israel approved the release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners. The move, which split the Israeli cabinet, is to take place in stages over several months. The initial talks between Israeli and Palestinian representatives are scheduled begin on Monday, July 29 evening and continue on Tuesday, said the state department. At a press conference in Washington DC on Monday, Kerry said: "I know the negotiations are going to be tough, but I also know the consequences of not trying will be worse." He was joined by Martin Indyk, whom he appointed as U.S. special envoy to the talks. He told reporters: "It is a daunting and humbling challenge, but one that I cannot desist from." Indyk, 62, said he looked forward to working with both sides to "do our best to achieve President Obama's vision of two states, living side by side in peace and security".   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 |  Latest news Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village  The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015.Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents.“By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents.The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |
