Russian military to hold biggest 2014 drill in country’s eastNovember 30, 2013 - 16:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian military will hold its biggest drill of 2014 in the country’s east, First Deputy Defense Minister Arkady Bakhin said Saturday, Nov 30, according to RIA Novosti. The East-2014 exercise will involve several army branches, Bakhin said on Ekho Moskvy (Echo of Moscow) radio. He did not elaborate on the program or the exact time and venue for the event. This year’s biggest drill, West-2013, took place in the Russian western exclave of Kaliningrad and the neighboring Belarus, Russia’s major European ally. The Russian army held about 3,000 drills in 2013, including some 400 involving multiple army branches, Bakhin said. Russia has 29 international military exercises lined up for next year, he added. Moscow announced last week plans to hold joint drills with China and Mongolia in 2014. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |