Audronius Azubalis supports strengthening EU-South Caucasus tiesMay 24, 2011 - 16:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Lithuanian FM, OCSE chairman Audronius Azubalis spoke for consistent strengthening of EU ties with Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Lithuanian Foreign Ministry reported. The Foreign Minister spoke at the discussions organized within the framework of the EU foreign affairs council on the situation in South Caucasus countries. “Our neighbours in the South Caucasus must be more active in Eastern Neighbourhood initiative,” Azubalis said, stressing the necessity of starting talks on visa regime facilitation and readmission agreement with Armenia and Azerbaijan. According to him, Georgia must put efforts to start talks on free trade agreement until the end of 2011. The Lithuanian minister urged EU representatives and partner states to establish closer cooperation. 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 calls for prohibiting threats of attacks on nuclear facilities Armenia has raised the need for a treaty prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes. Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. |