Merkel says “very interested” in lifting Russia sanctionsAugust 30, 2016 - 14:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday, August 29 that she has "the very greatest interest in stopping sanctions" against Russia, the Local reports. In further evidence that Germany is seeking to follow a path of rapprochement with Moscow, Merkel made clear she was prepared to push through a relaxation of EU sanctions against Russia almost immediately. “As soon as we see progress in the Minsk agreement, we will loosen the sanctions,” Merkel told party colleagues at an event in northeastern Germany on Monday evening. The Minsk agreement, signed in February 2015, aimed to put an end to fighting in eastern Ukraine by calling for the removal of heavy weaponry from the front line. Merkel emphasized that putting an end to sanctions was in Germany’s interests as well as Russia’s. In recent days, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has also been vocal in his calls for detente with Moscow, urging a return to “a reliable understanding of common security." However, Merkel also voiced strong criticism of Russia on Monday evening, reminding her audience that the EU had imposed the sanctions due to Russia annexing the Crimea from Ukraine and sending its soldiers into eastern Ukraine. She said she was aghast when she saw the first Russian tank cross over into Ukrainian territory. “Now we are not talking about one tank, but about very, very many tanks.” 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |