Merkel says NATO will protect Baltic states but not change Russia treatiesSeptember 3, 2014 - 17:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday, Sept 3, NATO would guarantee the sovereignty of the Baltic states at a summit in Wales this week but would not change its treaties with Russia, according to Reuters. "We can count on the sovereignty of the Baltic states being guaranteed," Merkel said at a news conference with Myanmar President Thein Sein. She said that all measures decided by NATO at the summit would comply with treaties between NATO and Russia, but NATO also had to improve its ability to react quickly in the region. "We have to meet the wishes of these countries and reaction times of various months are really of no help," she said. Merkel was also asked about the Australian prime minister's proposal to exclude Russian President Vladimir Putin from an upcoming G20 summit in Brisbane. She said she would discuss it with Tony Abbott when they meet soon, though she did not give a date. 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |