CIS, CSTO to sign cooperation agreementFebruary 27, 2009 - 12:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The CIS Executive Committee and CSTO Secretariat are planning to sign a cooperation agreement to avoid duplication of activities."Both CIS and CSTO charters fixed strengthening of peace, regional and international security as objectives. In this format, both structures can find a common ground for interaction," said Toksatyn Buzubayev, deputy chairman of the CIS Executive Committee. The cooperation will include consultations, exchange of documentation and work plans and development of proposals and recommendations, according to him. "Ukraine, Moldova and Azerbaijan's position is not known yet. However, these countries are likely to have a different opinion on the issue," Buzubayev said, reported the press office of the CIS Executive Committee. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Armenia recalls Belarus envoy for consultations Armenian Ambassador to Belarus has been called to Yerevan for consultations, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry reveals. Armenia denies Azerbaijan's ceasefire accusations The Armenian Defense Ministry has denied Azerbaijan's accusations of violating the ceasefire. Armenia will leave Russian-led military bloc, says Pashinyan Armenia will leave the Russian-led Collective Security Organization, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, without giving any dates. EU encourages Armenia to prioritize strategic projects The EU has encouraged Armenia to prioritize strategic projects, according to a statement from the country’s Foreign Ministry. |