Russia to back Turkey's Caucasus Stability and Cooperation PactSeptember 10, 2008 - 14:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia will support Turkey's Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Pact, an Armenian expert said. "I think Russia and Turkey will continue talks on the issue because of strained relations with the U.S. Russia brisks up relations with Turkey and is interested in opening of the Armenian-Turkish border. True, the Caucasus pact is not a security organization and will hardly become such. But it will have its part in the region," Ruben Safrastyan, director of the institute of oriental studies at the RA national academy of sciences, told a news conference in Yerevan today. The Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Pact was offered by Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan after the Georgian-South Ossetian clashes. It is supposed to unite Turkey, Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |