France, Germany threaten more Russia sanctions if Ukraine poll failsMay 10, 2014 - 17:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - France and Germany have threatened Russia with further sanctions if Ukraine's presidential election on 25 May fails to go ahead, BBC News reported. President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement they feared further destabilisation of Ukraine. They also said referendums planned by pro-Russian activists in eastern Ukraine for Sunday, May 11 would be illegal. They called for a visible reduction in Russian forces on the Ukrainian border. Russia is estimated by Nato to have some 40,000 troops near the border, though Moscow says they have been pulled back. Ukraine's interim President Olexander Turchynov, meanwhile, warned the referendums could result in the "self-destruction" of regions that vote in favour of federalisation. Photo: Wikimedia Commons 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 | 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. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |