Russia sanctions stay in force until Ukraine deal implemented: KerryFebruary 13, 2016 - 17:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry accused Russia of "repeated aggression" and said sanctions will stay in place until the Minsk II agreement to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine is fully implemented, RFE/RL reports. The United States and the European Union have imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response to its support for separatists who control parts of eastern Ukraine and have fought government forces in a devastating war. Sanctions will remain in place until "the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine is protected in full implementation of the Minsk agreements," Kerry said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, February 13. He said "Russia faces a simple choice: fully implement Minsk" or face continued sanctions. He added that implementation includes the withdrawal of Russian forces -- which Western governments say are in Ukraine despite Russian denials -- and restoration of Ukrainian control over the entire Ukrainian-Russian border. He spoke of joint and "unwavering support for a democratic Ukraine" by the United States and the European Union, and called for Ukraine to do more to fight corruption. 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 | 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. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |