Baku: Caucasus platform implementation impossible, with Karabakh conflict unresolvedJanuary 28, 2009 - 12:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Implementation of the Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform is impossible, with the Nagorno Karabakh conflict unresolved, a senior Azeri official said. "Nevertheless, Baku supports the idea and considers the ongoing discussions necessary. The interest of the five countries expected to build the platform is important for its implementation," Araz Azimov, the Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister told a conference in Istanbul, AzerTac news agency reports. Turkish Prime Minsiter Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered formation of a Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform after the hostilities in South Ossetia in August 2008. The initiative is supposed to unite Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia and Georgia. 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |