NATO SEARCHING FOR NEW WAYS TO SETTLE KARABAKH CONFLICTSeptember 9, 2004 - 20:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO is searching for new ways to settle the Karabakh conflict, North Atlantic Alliance European Command General Frank Boland stated when commenting on the outcomes of US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's visit to the South Caucasian region. In his words, the major priority of the Alliance in the region is the establishment of peace and stability. F. Boland also stated that the US and NATO are going to launch a new program of assistance to the former USSR republics. "We intend to increase the amount of aid to Azerbaijan within the frames of this program", the General noted. As for NATO exercise in Azerbaijan to be held this September, in his words, all the preparation works are nearly finished. "We hope Azerbaijan will completely fulfill the obligations it has undertaken," General Boland summed up. 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. |