Caucasus 2008 international conference kicks off in YerevanApril 28, 2009 - 15:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Last year was remarkable for four election campaigns, one war, two declarations and one football match in Caucasus, Director of Freedom House Europe Vladimir Shkolnikov said at Caucasus 2008 international conference organized by Caucasus Institute in Yerevan. Caucasus Institute Director, political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan noted that Caucasus annual conferences are among the few if not the only proof of regional unity. Head of the EC Delegation to Armenia Mr. Raul de Luzenberger said that during 2008, many important events took place in South Caucasus, and beginning of 2009 is very promising. "South Caucasus experienced a war. It is sad. But we eyewitnessed a historical step made towards normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey. Eastern Partnership initiative for South Caucasus countries, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus was also accepted in 2008," he said. 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 | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |