U.S.: Karabakh Conflict Parties Close to Settlement as NeverMay 17, 2006 - 15:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza stated that "the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict are as close to the settlement as never". In his words, the U.S. considers the next several months to be a real "window of possibilities". Matthew Bryza also remarked that the Armenian and Azerbaijani governments should demonstrate political courage to overcome the discrepancies. According to another U.S. State Department representative David E. Appleton, progress can be proved by the fact that Baku requested the U.N. Refugee Agency to develop a program for the return of refugees after the signing of a peaceful agreement, reported RFE/RL. 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. |