Ashton to meet Iranian FM for nuke talks “soon”August 19, 2013 - 14:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union's foreign policy chief has said she will "soon" meet the new Iranian foreign minister amid the need for swift and substantial talks over Tehran's disputed nuclear programme. Catherine Ashton's office called Mohammad Javad Zarif to congratulate him on his appointment, Belfast Telegraph said. Ashton said she and the nations negotiating with Iran on the nuclear issue - the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany - were looking forward to engaging with Tehran's new negotiating team as soon as it is appointed to find a diplomatic solution. The West fears that Iran's nuclear programme is aimed at making atomic weapons, and has imposed a series of sanctions. Iran insists it atomic programme is for peaceful purposes only. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |