Armenia elections didn't hinder new deal with EU: RPA lawmakerJune 20, 2017 - 13:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - National Assembly foreign committee chief Armen Ashotyan from the ruling Republican Party (RPA) believes the parliamentary elections held in Armenia won’t hinder the signing of a new partnership agreement with the EU and will further contribute to the process. Foreign minister Edward Nalbandian said earlier that Armenia expects to sign the new agreement at the next Eastern Partnership (EaP) Summit, which will take place in Brussels on November 24. EU ambassador to Armenia last week said the Electoral Code needs to be changed to include civil society representatives and weighed in on the efficiency of the voting system. The Republican party, in return, urged the envoy against meddling in the country’s internal issues. Ashotyan said elections prove that Armenia is really ready to strengthen democracy in the country, RFE/RL Armenian Service reports. The lawmaker said he was a little surprised at Switalsky’s assessment as the envoy had earlier only detailed the EU’s determination “to help Armenia in the fields where the country would want it to help.” 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. |