Armenia to become important transit state if it normalizes relations with Azerbaijan and TurkeyFebruary 18, 2009 - 17:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. welcomes the Armenian-Turkish dialogue and hopes for reconciliation between the two countries, the U.S. Embassy official said."The dialogue should be continuous. Everything is in your hands. The U.S. is ready to assist it by organizing meetings between NGOs," acting U.S. vice ambassador to Armenia Stephen Banks told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. "Armenia will become important transit state if it normalizes relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey," he emphasized. As to U.S. relations with other South Caucasus countries, Mr. Banks said that relations are unique. "Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan are very different. Consequently, the level of cooperation is different, too. Azerbaijan appears as the energy resources supplier. Georgia and Armenia are also valuable for us," he said, adding that the U.S. is not going to leave the region. 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. |