EU President says Syria conflict can’t be resolved by military meansNovember 21, 2013 - 19:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The conflict in Syria cannot be resolved by military means and the EU is working hard to bring about a negotiated political solution, EU President Herman Van Rompuy said Thursday, Nov 21, according to the Associated Press. Van Rompuy spoke following an EU-China summit in Beijing at which Syria and other international issues were discussed. He said China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has a role to play in formulating actions to mitigate the conflict such as the destruction of chemical weapons. "There is no military solution for this conflict," Van Rompuy said. The EU has spent 2 billion euros ($2.68 billion) since 2011 on relief for refugees of the conflict, which has displaced millions of people, Van Rompuy said. China has been criticized for blocking harsher action by the UN that could lead to the ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad and has provided much more modest humanitarian assistance. Van Rompuy said he discussed with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang ways to "take a more active role together in securing international development" to alleviate conflicts. Van Rompuy said China is already working closely with the EU on the Iranian nuclear issue. He said the sides also discussed the need to restore stability in North Africa, Mali and the Sahel to fight organized crime and terrorism. The one-day summit also focused heavily on boosting trade and investment. The EU is China's largest trading partner, and China is the EU's second largest trading partner after the United States. That included a new focus on cooperation as China's rural population moves increasingly to the cities. Li addressed more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, officials and city planners at a joint EU-China forum on the topic on Thursday, telling them of the need to borrow ideas and experience from urbanized countries and the potential for "huge business opportunities." 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 | 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. |