NATO Sec. Gen. criticizes Russia's stance on U.S. missile defense plans in Eastern EuropeSeptember 6, 2007 - 19:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer criticized Russia's stance on U.S. missile defense plans in Eastern Europe."We should continue our discussion with Russia. Let me speak openly. Russia's sharp criticism of U.S. plans attached a counterproductive and useless coloring to the NATO-Russia dialogue," he said. "Russia's warnings addressed to our Czech and Polish allies are inappropriate in today's Europe," he said. The Alliance head considers that Russia's "very lour rhetoric diverts us from the key issue - how to ensure our security in the epoch of rocket technologies." At the same time he expressed readiness to attend to Russia's concerns about the missile defense shield. He described Russian President's proposal on joint use of Azeri radar base as a "pragmatic signal." "I would not judge the specific advantages of this proposal but I think it point out to three nuances. First, Russia recognized the existence of potential rocket menace; second, Russia seeks for joint solutions; third, pragmatic compromise on missile defense shield can be found," the NATO Sec. Gen. said. He gave a positive estimation to the Russia-NATO cooperation for securing the theatre missile defense (TMD) capability," RIA Novosti reports. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Pashinyan travels to Iran to pay tribute to Raisi, others Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has left for the Islamic Republic of Iran on a working visit. Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. |