Kerry says Russia can rebuild trust by ‘withdrawing’ from UkraineDecember 4, 2014 - 17:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday, Dec 4, Russia “had pitched itself into isolation through its own actions in Ukraine and could rebuild international credibility only by ending its support for pro-Russian separatists,” according to Reuters. Speaking at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE), Kerry said Moscow had failed to live up to its commitments under September Minsk ceasefire accords to end the conflict in Ukraine. "The United States and countries that support Ukraine's sovereignty and rights do not seek confrontation," Kerry said. "It is not our design or desire that we see a Russia that is isolated through its own actions," he said, "In fact we are convinced that Moscow could rebuild trust and relationships if it simply helps to calm turbulent waters, if it takes steps now to implement the Minsk Protocol," he added. He said Moscow “should not only meet its commitments under the Minsk ceasefire accords but also withdraw Russian troops and weapons from eastern Ukraine and use its influence on pro-Russian separatists to release all hostages.” “Support for the separatists had hurt Russia. The result is damage to its credibility and its own citizens wind up paying a steep economic and human price,” he said. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |