G8 summit starts in HeiligendammJune 6, 2007 - 15:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The G8 summit in Heiligendamm, Germany brings together world leaders from the leading industrial countries for a three-day meeting. "Growth and responsibility" - these guiding concepts are to shape G8 negotiations under the Germany Presidency in 2007. Leaders from the G8 - Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the US - are expected to discuss climate change, poverty in Africa and the U.S.-Russian controversies. They will also refer to other foreign policy issues including Iran's nuclear program, the situation in Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan as well as war on terror. Special attention will be paid to raising responsibility of the world economies and stability of financial markets. Political tensions, however, are expected to overshadow progress on climate change and African aid. U.S. plans for a missile defense shield on European soil coupled with harsh criticism over faltering democratic reforms in Russia has irked lawmakers in Moscow and sparked strong rhetoric from Russian President Vladimir Putin who said any threats to Russia would be met with retaliation. One more topic seems to be getting great attention: security. Outside the wire-topped fence, which plows through the landscape for about 7.5 miles, cutting off the summit location Heiligendamm from the rest of the world, up to 100,000 protesters from all over the world are expected to stage dozens of anti-globalization, anti-capitalism demonstrations during the next couple of days. 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. |