France suspends planned warship delivery to RussiaNovember 25, 2014 - 17:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - France suspended the planned delivery of a warship to Russia on Tuesday, Nov 25, after months of growing speculation about what would be the biggest arms sale ever by a NATO country to the Kremlin, the Associated Press reports. The French president's office announced the suspension "until further notice" after growing pressure from allies to suspend the sale because of tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The first of the two ships, the Vladivostok, is docked at the French port city of Saint Nazaire, where about 400 Russian sailors have spent months training aboard the vessel. The second ship, named the Sevastopol was slated for delivery next year and recently arrived at the Saint Nazaire docks for finishing touches. Tuesday's statement, like a previous suspension of the delivery, stopped short of cancelling the deal, suggesting the French government is reluctant give up on a contract worth more than 1 billion euros and thousands of jobs at a time of an economic slump in France. The Vladivostok can carry 700 troops, 16 helicopter gunships, and up to 50 armored vehicles. Analysts have said the warships would give Russia an enhanced ability to move large numbers of troops and equipment, but were not game-changers for Moscow's military. Russia's deputy defense minister told RIA Novosti news agency Tuesday that Moscow was not planning to take any immediate action against France for delaying the deal. "We are satisfied, it is the French who are not satisfied, and we are going to patiently wait," said Yuri Borisov. "Everything is spelled out in the contract, and we are going to act in accord to the contract like all civilized people." 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 | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |