Iran may extend oil ban to more European countriesFebruary 20, 2012 - 18:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An Iranian semiofficial news agency says Tehran is considering extending an oil embargo on France and Britain to other European countries, AP reported. The Monday, February 20 report by Mehr quoted head of the National Iranian Oil Company Ahmad Qalehbani as saying that Tehran may stop crude exports to European Union members that continue "hostile acts" against Iran. Qalehbani predicts that oil prices could possibly pass $150 per barrel, without specifying when. Oil prices jumped to a nine-month high of nearly $105 a barrel on Monday in Asia after Iran announced the halt on exports to Britain and France. Iran imposed the cuts pre-emptively in retaliation for EU sanctions scheduled to go into effect in July to pressure Tehran over its controversial nuclear program. 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |