French Senate votes to lift Russia sanctionsJune 9, 2016 - 10:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The French Senate has voted overwhelmingly to urge the government to gradually reduce economic sanctions on Russia, in a sign of growing opposition to sanctions in Europe, RFE/RL reports. The resolution to "gradually and partially" lift sanctions was approved 302-16 on June 8 despite opposition from France's Socialist government, which said the restrictions can be relaxed only when the Minsk peace deal for Ukraine is fully implemented. The vote was nonbinding but a barometer of rising frustration with the sanctions, which are due to expire next month. The European Union was Russia's biggest trading partner before 2014 when Russia's aggression in Ukraine prompted it to impose sanctions ranging from banning oil equipment exports to barring Russian banks from getting loans. In retaliation, Russia banned all food imports from the EU. As a result, EU agricultural exports to Russia plummeted by 50 percent last year and imports from Russia dropped by a third compared with 2013. 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |