Ukraine prolongs list of sanctions against RussiaSeptember 17, 2015 - 10:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Wednesday, September 16, expanded a list of sanctions against Russian companies and individuals held responsible for the ex-Soviet state's eastern uprising and the Crimea issue, AFP reports. Poroshenko's spokesman said that the President had signed a law enacting targeted measures against some 400 officials and 90 companies. A list of targeted individuals published online included officials such as Russia's defence minister and parliament speaker and separatist leaders in war-torn east Ukraine. The blacklist, however, also contained the names of Western journalists, including three Moscow-based employees of the BBC, a correspondent for the German newspaper Zeit and a Spanish reporter. Ukraine's original list of punitive measures against Russia agreed last year was never officially published. Poroshenko's latest decision was announced just hours after rebels in the separatist province of Donetsk formally decided to conduct regional elections on October 18. The neighbouring rebel region of Lugansk intends to hold its own vote on November 1. The two dates conflict with Ukraine's plans for government-held regions to choose local representatives on October 25. Poroshenko has denounced the insurgents' move as illegal and detrimental to a shaky truce the warring sides signed up to in February. 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 | 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. |