Georgia turns down Russia’s bid for rapprochementMarch 3, 2012 - 12:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - If Russia reviews its decision of August 26, 2008 on recognition of the so-called republics (South Ossetia and Abkhazia) and starts de-occupation of our state, we will be ready to restore relations, Sergey Kapanadze, Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia said. Before that, restoration of diplomatic relations is out of question, Georgian official told “Echo of Moscow” radio station. Earlier, representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Lukashevich had voiced Russia’s readiness to restore diplomatic relations with Georgia. However, rapprochement between the two states seems to be limited to introduction of visa-free regime initiated first by Georgia (Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili signed a decree permitting Russian citizens’ stay on Georgian territory without visa for 3 months). 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 | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |