Newly appointed EU Envoy for South Caucasus to extend mandateAugust 31, 2011 - 13:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - European Union’s newly appointed Special Representative to the South Caucasus, Philippe Lefort will extend the mandate to include contributing to peaceful settlement of conflicts in line with international law norms and implementation of agreements in coordination with the UN, OSCE and Minsk Group, according to Vzglyad daily. The mandate also envisages fostering contacts with authorities, parliaments and other key political entities, juridical authorities and civil communities, encouraging the countries of the region to collaborate on issues of mutual concern, combating terrorism, illegal trafficking and organized crime, the report says. Philippe Lefort was French ambassador to Georgia (2004-2007) and deputy head of mission at the French embassy in Russia (2007-2010). Since 2010, he has been head of the Continental Europe Department at the French Foreign Ministry. 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |