Lavrov, Kerry discuss Syria conference, Iran nuke talksNovember 18, 2013 - 11:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia’s foreign minister and the U.S. secretary of state on Sunday, November 17 discussed cooperation in the preparation for an international conference on Syria and a regular round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported, according to RIA Novosti. Sergei Lavrov and John Kerry spoke to each other by phone. The conversation was held on the U.S. side's initiative, the ministry said, without elaborating. According to UN statistics, more than 100,000 people have died in the 2 1/2-year civil war in Syria. The number of refugees caused by the conflict hit 2 million in September. Western countries suspect Iran of using its nuclear program to develop atomic weapons, a claim that Iran has consistently denied. Tehran claims it needs atomic technology for producing electricity, although it has some of the world’s largest reserves of oil and gas. Related links: 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 | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |