  EU likely to turn down Iran’s invitation to tour nuclear sites January 8, 2011 - 12:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union plans to reject Iran's invitation for EU ambassadors to tour the country's nuclear sites. The EU's foreign policy chief, Baroness Catherine Ashton, said it was the job of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to examine Iran's nuclear sites. Iran says it will open its nuclear facilities to envoys from several countries, including Russia and China, but not the U.S. "What I'll be saying is the role of the inspections of nuclear sites is for the IAEA and I do hope Iran will ensure that the IAEA is able to go and continue and fulfill its work," Baroness Ashton said. Earlier the U.S. State Department dismissed Iran's offer of an inspection tour by diplomats as a "clever ploy", BBC reported. Iran and world powers are set to meet on January 20 in Istanbul.   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 |  Latest news U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border  The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel.Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan.Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |
