President: Ukrainian vote to decide between EU/Customs Union affiliation August 30, 2013 - 18:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ukraine will decide through popular vote whether to sign a free-trade pact with the European Union or join the rival Russia-led Customs Union with Belarus and Kazakhstan, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said Friday, August 30, according to RIA Novosti. “What the choice of the Ukrainian people will be can be shown by a referendum. We don’t know when it will be. When the decision will be made to join either the EU or the Customs Union, then there will be no avoiding the referendum for us,” Yanukovych said in comments aired by several nationwide television channels. Ukraine has repeatedly voiced intention to join the European Union and is expected to sign an association agreement with the EU in November. Moscow has been increasing pressure on Kiev to instead join the Customs Union, which would keep Ukraine under Russia’s sphere of influence. Ukraine, currently an observer in the Customs Union, has said it has no plans to ascend to full membership in the bloc.   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 Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals  Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation.Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush.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. |
