Merkel says ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Russia-Ukraine gas talksOctober 9, 2014 - 18:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she is "cautiously optimistic" that talks to resolve differences between Russia and Ukraine about the supply of natural gas will succeed, the Associated Press reports. Merkel says the dispute with Russia over its support for militias in eastern Ukraine will likely last for some time. But she told reporters in Berlin on Thursday, Oct 9, that she hoped European Union-brokered negotiations to secure Ukrainian and European gas supplies through the harsh winter months would bear fruit. EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger has been brokering talks that hinge on Russia's demand for Ukraine to repay its vast gas debts. Talking about the broader situation in Ukraine, Merkel said a UN report released Wednesday showing more than 300 deaths since the start of the cease-fire showed "how fragile the situation is." Related links: 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 | Russia provides info about arrested Armenian ex-MP Russian law enforcement agencies have provided information about the arrest of Tigran Urikhanyan. Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. |