Iran becomes permanent member of CISMay 18, 2019 - 16:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran is now the permanent member of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Iranian Deputy Transport Minister Saieed Rasouli announced on Saturday, May 18, Mehr News Agency reports. According to Rasouli, who is also the head of public relations department at Railways of The Islamic Republic of Iran, the membership, ratified during the 70th meeting of CIS in Helsinki, can reinforce Iran’s railway transit ties with Middle-Asian counties and facilitate transit at International North–South Transport Corridor. As he informed, the held meeting in Finland’s capital gave Iran and Russia a chance to hold talks about electrification of Garmsar- Incheboron railway and as accorded the two sides are to establish a joint railway company in future to develop mutual ties. CIS formed when the former Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. It now invovles Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as its members. Related links: 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 | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |