South Caucasus still eyed as risk zoneFebruary 6, 2008 - 17:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Despite rapid progress, the South Caucasus is listed as a risk zone over the existence of frozen conflicts, EU special representative for South Caucasus, Mr Peter Semneby said. "I first visited Georgia in 1992, when the country was in war. Presently, the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia has not been solved yet although there are no armed conflicts," Semneby said during the 'European Neighborhood Policy in Georgia' international conference in Tbilisi. "There is no evident progress in the settlement of these conflicts in Georgia, which causes instability in the country." The special representative stated that elections will be held both in Georgia and Russia in 2008 and there is an opportunity to use new tools to settle the conflicts. "I think the Russian position and elections to the Federation will be relevant for Georgia," Semneby said. According to Mr Semneby, the European Union will deepen its engagement in development of infrastructure in the conflict areas. The EU has developed several events, which will help the region to join and follow the European Neighborhood Policy, Semneby stated, Trend reports. 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 | Armenia border residents dissatisfied with delimitation Residents Kirants are dissatisfied with the results of the delimitation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “Great success”: Pashinyan pleased with new border protocol Pashinyan has described the signing by Armenia and Azerbaijan of a protocol on delimitation in Tavush as “a great success”. Armenia, Azerbaijan sign protocol on demarcation coordinates Armenia’s government took on May 15 another step towards handing over four border areas to Azerbaijan. 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 |