Moscow-Tbilisi relations in "strategic tolerance" regime: GeorgiaFebruary 7, 2017 - 11:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili has said that the relationship between Moscow and Tbilisi is currently based on "strategic tolerance" and has its difficulties, especially with regard to the issue of Abkhazia's independence, Sputnik reports. "The relationship with Russia remains in the regime of strategic tolerance, which has its difficulties. I mean the agreements on strategic partnership made with Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region [in South Ossetia], which are very problematic," Margvelashvili told Iberia TV broadcaster. Diplomatic ties between Russia and Georgia were broken in 2008 following Russia’s recognition of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali's independence. Since then, relations between the two states have remained tense with Georgia edging closer to the West. Tbilisi does not recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and considers them part of Georgia. 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. |