Peter Semneby: EU 'Regrets' at Referendum in KarabakhDecember 13, 2006 - 14:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The status of Nagorno Karabakh should be determined via talks but not a referendum, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby told reporters in Moscow. In his words, referendum creates a situation 'which somehow predetermines the issues to be settled within the negotiation process. "This refers to Nagorno Karabakh's status. The issue is the core of the ongoing talks," the diplomat remarked.When commenting on the EU's stance on the constitutional referendum Mr Semneby said the vote did not help the settlement. "The European Union regrets that it was held at a period when the talks between the sides resumed. Yesterday the European Union President said that the EU will recognize neither the referendum nor its outcomes," he added, reports ITAR-TASS. 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |