Putin meets Berlusconi for informal talks in RomeNovember 26, 2013 - 18:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Vladimir Putin met with longtime friend and former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for informal talks in Rome on Monday, Nov 25, Putin’s spokesman said, according to RIA Novosti. The Russian President also met with Pope Francis earlier on Monday in a private meeting that focused on finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing civil war in Syria. That evening, the Russian leader held closed-door talks with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. Italian media recently claimed that Putin was considering making Berlusconi his ambassador to the Vatican. Berlusconi faces community service for committing tax fraud and having sex with an underage woman. If he were made an ambassador, he would get diplomatic immunity. Berlusconi has not commented on the claims, Russian radio station Ekho Moskvy (Echo of Moscow) reported Tuesday. Putin was expected to travel to Trieste on Tuesday to meet with Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta to discuss bilateral relations as well as economic and international issues, including Syria. 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 | 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. |