David Miliband: Eastern Partnership can be a step toward possible EU membershipOctober 28, 2009 - 11:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband sees the Eastern Partnership, the recently launched new framework for cooperation between the European Union and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine as a "step toward possible membership" of the Union. "To Europe's East, poor governance, the financial crisis, and frozen conflicts are critical causes of instability," he said speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. "The Eastern Partnership should be not only a stepping stone towards possible membership, but a crucial vehicle for stability, because through integration into the single market we can promote economic reform and drive economic growth; and if the countries on our east join the common energy community it will enhance not only their energy security but also our own," Mr. Miliband 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. |