Putin, Erdogan to meet in Russia in early August: KremlinJuly 20, 2016 - 17:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A meeting between the Presidents of Russia and Turkey – Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan – will be held in Russia in early August, a spokesman for the Russian President told reporters on Wednesday, July 20, according to local media. "The Presidents agreed to hold a meeting in Russia in early August, but the exact date and venue are still under consideration," the Kremlin representative said. Peskov denied rumors that the meeting may be held in Baku. "No, that’s not true: a trilateral meeting of the presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran will be held in Baku instead," he said. Relations were strained after Turkey downed a Russian jet in November 2015. Russia responded with economic sanctions, including a ban on travel packages to Turkey. Putin lifted the ban on travel sales after receiving a letter of apology from Erdogan last month. 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. |