Mahmud Ahmadinejad not to leave for Russia to participate in SCO SummitJune 15, 2009 - 20:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will not pay his scheduled visit to Russia to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO) Summit as state observer.On June 15, Iranian official was also scheduled to meet with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Reasons for his decision are not specified, but Russian media insist Ahmadinejad will nonetheless arrive in Yekatrinburg on Tuesday, June 16, to participate in scheduled meetings and press-conferences, as well as SCO plenary session. SCO member states are Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Iran, India, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status within the organization. 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. |