Problem of "enemy image" exists in both Azerbaijan and ArmeniaDecember 1, 2008 - 13:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The problem of "enemy image" in Azerbaijan, but to be frank, also in Armenia, is a series one but it is not insurmountable, a British expert said. "A lot of work needs to be done and should be done and government and society in both countries must work together in this regard. However it is also easy to be very pessimistic about this issue," Mr. Dennis Sammut, the Chair of the Executive Steering Committee of the Consortium Initiative, said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net "I have been in many situations where people from Armenia and Azerbaijan, from all levels of society, have met each other and although they were meeting each other for the first time soon found they had many things in common with each other. The Moscow declaration talks about the importance of confidence building measures. The Consortium Initiative and its component members, International Alert, Conciliation Resources and LINKS, have since 2003 engaged with non state actors in the region, working with different sectors of society, from grass roots organizations to politicians and officials. We think there is scope for our work to continue and we would like this work to develop further with the support of the two governments and of the international community," he said. 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 | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |