Europe-Armenia Advisory Council congratulates Armenia on independence anniversarySeptember 21, 2011 - 16:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Europe-Armenia Advisory Council extended its warmest and most sincere congratulations to the people of Armenia today, September 21, as the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence is celebrated. “Armenia is now actively benefiting from the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership. Negotiations of the EU-Armenia Association Agreement are progressing fast and will eventually lead to stronger political co-operation, deeper economic integration with a comprehensive free trade agreement, and easier mobility through visa facilitation. We also welcome the Partnership for Reforms, recently set up by the European Commission and the Armenian government, which aims to strengthen democratisation, good governance, and the respect for human rights and the rule of law,” the Council said in a statement. “One of our biggest concerns is the rising tensions in the unresolved Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Europe has shown how countries can overcome centuries of warfare, transcend their differences through economic and political integration, and base their relations exclusively on peaceful means and international law. The people of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh deserve no less. We call for the implementation of the confidence building measures agreed at the trilateral summit of March 2011 in Sochi without any further delay, and align ourselves with the call of the Minsk Group Co-Chairing countries made in May 2011 in Deauville.” 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. |