OSCE military observers not allowed into CrimeaMarch 6, 2014 - 21:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Dozens of military observers invited by Ukraine to monitor the situation in Crimea had to turn back on Thursday, March 6, after failing to get past roadblocks, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said, according to Reuters. The mission of 43 unarmed observers from 23 OSCE countries was now heading back to the Ukrainian town of Kherson, halfway between Odessa and the Crimean peninsula, to decide how to proceed, the Vienna-based security organization and democracy watchdog said. "They tried two checkpoints, they didn't get through ... Nobody attacked them, they were just not allowed to go through," an OSCE spokeswoman said. The mission had aimed to defuse a tense military standoff. Forces loyal to Moscow bloodlessly seized Crimea after Russian ally Viktor Yanukovich was ousted as Ukrainian president last month, and are surrounding military compounds of the Ukrainian army and navy. Earlier, Polish Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak had said unidentified men in military fatigues had prevented the group from entering Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula after travelling from Odessa by car. One senior Western diplomat criticized the obstacles. "It's not surprising but it is obviously unacceptable and it's unfortunate given the mission they were sent out to do," he said. 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |