  Georgia Ranks First in Armament RaceJune 13, 2006 - 18:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgia is the world leader in military expenditures, says the annual report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SPRI) engaged in the investigation of the armament market. Tbilisi's expenditures for armament increased 2.5 times during a year and made $146 million. Compared with the United States, China, Russia, European states and Near East the amount is not much but Georgia left behind its neighbors - Azerbaijan (with 51% growth) and Armenia (23% growth). The SPRI specialists condition the sharp growth of expenditures with Georgia's wish to join the NATO. However they also mention Georgia's aspiration to re-subordinate Abkhazia and South Ossetia, reported the BBC News.  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 |  Related sections Latest 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. |
