Putin denies Russia wants to re-integrate former Soviet statesOctober 18, 2011 - 09:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin denied that Russia has ambitions to re-integrate the former Soviet states. “We are not talking about political integration, about the revival of the Soviet Union, Russia is not interested in that today,” Putin said in an interview with three national TV channels seven weeks before parliamentary elections scheduled for December 4. “It is not interested in taking on excessive risks, taking excessive responsibility for the counties that for various reasons… remain close to us,” he said. Putin also dismissed Western media reports concerning Russia's “imperialist ambitions,” saying that Western experts who criticize Russia-CIS states integration policy should “mind their own business.” “Tackle rising inflation, state debt or at least obesity. Mind your own business,” the PM added, RIA Novosti reported. 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 | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |