EU Should Assist South Caucasus States for Better IntegrationMarch 29, 2006 - 20:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The EU should assist the states of the South Caucasus to ensure their better integration, Lithuanian FM Antanas Valionis said. In his words, if Turkey, which borders those states, becomes an EU member, «the membership of those countries will become a barest necessity to the EU.» He also remarked Lithuania and other EU members will consider themselves secure only in case neighboring eastern states have market economy and democracy. «Some countries, particularly Russia, unfortunately think their security depends on strong pressure upon neighboring states and manipulating these. Democracy in Russia is of vital importance and I openly told it Putin,» Valionis said, adding the same refers to Belarus, reports RFE/RL. 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. |