Iran Not Afraid of U.N. Security Council SanctionsMay 12, 2006 - 14:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad blamed the western powers for pursuing the policy of double standards as regards the Iranian nuclear program. He said at a news conference he is not afraid of the U.N. sanctions and is ready to negotiate with "any state to settle the crisis." However, the Iranian President underscored such talks should not be held from the position of force. "If someone pokes a gun into your face trying to make you say what is needed will you yield to these demands? We will not," Ahmadinejad said when commenting on the U.S. and Troika's position on the Iranian problem.He reiterated Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and has no military purpose. "It by no means refers to the nuclear weapon development or any other military goals," the Iranian President said. At that he described as "ridiculous" the attempts the nuclear powers to make his country abandon the nuclear energy processing. Tehran is capable to defend its interests, he said, reported Iran.ru. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. Armenia calls for prohibiting threats of attacks on nuclear facilities Armenia has raised the need for a treaty prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes. Armenia says ready to extend nuclear plant’s lifetime by 10 years Armenia has taken necessary measures to extend the lifetime of its nuclear power plant until 2036. Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. |