Ukraine's self-proclaimed republics in talks to uniteMay 13, 2014 - 13:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ukraine's self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics have begun negotiations on unification, RIA Novosti reported, citing a local spokesman. “The initiative of unifying the republics was brought forth yesterday. Preliminarily, talks should be held, as it is up to the leadership to decide. As of 10:00 am local time such talks are under way,” the spokesman said Tuesday, May 13. Both regions declared themselves sovereign states on Monday, with Donetsk reportedly planning to ask Moscow to join Russia. The Luhansk leadership also said it did not rule out the possibility of a referendum on becoming part of Russia. According to local officials in Donetsk and Luhansk, some 90 percent of voters in both regions supported the measure to secede from Ukraine and become independent sovereign states during referendums on Sunday. Moscow said it "respects the will of the people in Ukraine’s southeastern provinces and hopes that Kyiv would do the same." The U.S. and EU denounced the results of the vote. Photo: RIA Novosti 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. |