Russian, U.S. diplomats discuss situation in SyriaOctober 30, 2013 - 11:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian and U.S. top diplomats have discussed the situation in Syria and preparation for the Geneva-2 international conference designed to get the Middle Eastern country’s government and opposition groups to meet for peace talks, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, according to RIA Novosti. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry spoke to each other by phone on Tuesday. The conversation was held on Kerry’s initiative, the ministry said Tuesday, Oct 29, adding that the sides in particular spoke about the humanitarian aspect of the Syrian crisis. A Syrian government representative recently said Geneva-2 will start Nov 23. However, only the United Nations has the authority to set the date, and major Syrian opposition groups remain reluctant to take part. International experts began eliminating Syria’s chemical weapons in early October, in accordance with a U.S.-Russian plan to seize and destroy the arsenal. The plan was approved in September 2013 by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and supported by a UN Security Council resolution. The plan has so far helped avoid foreign military intervention in Syria. The United States considered a “limited” series of air strikes on Syrian government targets as punishment for a number of chemical attacks that killed civilians. Russia has said there is no definitive evidence as to whether Syria’s ruling regime was responsible for all such chemical attacks. Related links: 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 | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. Civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan People demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation again blocked streets in Yerevan on May 15. |