France to refund $1 billion to Russia for canceling sale of 2 warshipsSeptember 11, 2015 - 16:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - France will refund 950 million euros ($1 billion) to Russia for the cancellation of the sale of two Mistral-class warships, but won't have to pay penalties, the Associated Press reports. In a bill going to France's lower house of Parliament next week, the government details the agreement reached with Russia last month. According to the text, the "only condition" laid down by Russia is to receive the money "as soon as possible." Then, France will be able to sell the warships to another country. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are reported to be on top of the list of potential purchasers, AP says. The 1.2 billion-euro ($1.3 billion) deal was canceled last year because of the Ukrainian crisis. It was supposed to be the biggest arms sale ever by a NATO country to Russia. 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 | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. |