Eastern Partnership initiative not fully clear to Russia yetJanuary 16, 2009 - 18:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia doesn't eye the Eastern Partnership as a transparent project, RF Duma member said. "If the matter concerns economic and humanitarian cooperation between the EU and six former soviet states, no problem will emerge. However, the European Union should not use the project as a tool to artificially separate the friendly countries from Russia," Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of Duma committee on international relations, told a news conference on Thursday. Eastern Partnership project aimed at establishment of closer ties with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Ukraine and also Belarus, if it accepts the democracy improvement plan. It offers countries better trade access, economic assistance and visa liberalization as they adapt to EU standards. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |