Van Rompuy to be reappointed as EU PresidentFebruary 28, 2012 - 18:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Former Belgian prime minister Herman Van Rompuy will be reappointed European Union President this week and be given the task of chairing regular eurozone summits, diplomats in Brussels said Tuesday, February 28, M&C reported citing DPA. The decisions are to be announced on the first of a two-day summit on Thursday, EU sources said. Van Rompuy's two-and-a-half year mandate expires at the end of May. His role, which was created by the Lisbon Treaty - the EU's new rulebook - is to chair and prepare leaders' meetings and represent the bloc in meetings with other nations. Over the past two years, as Europe was plunged into its debt crisis, he has also informally chaired eurozone-only summit meetings. The fiscal compact, a budget discipline treaty approved in January and due to be signed at this week's EU summit, has institutionalized that role by creating the position of “President of the Euro Summit.” 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. |