José Manuel Barroso hopes to develop and strengthen relations with ArmeniaApril 10, 2008 - 20:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Mr José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission sent a congratulatory message to Mr Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Republic of Armenia. The message says, "Dear Mr President, On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to convey to you my congratulations on your election as the new President of the Republic of Armenia. The European Commission looks forward to continuing to develop and strengthen relations with your country in the context of the European Union-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan. Your government faces important challenges in promoting and implementing an agenda of political and economic reforms including the stabilisation of the democratic process and the dialogue among the different political forces and with civil society. I would like to underline that despite current internal difficulties in Armenia the European Commission stands ready to accompany your efforts to build a prosperous State respecting human rights and the rule of law while pursuing successful economic and social development policies. In this context, I hope your government will be able to further deepen democracy, notably in ensuring that electoral processes are held in full compliance with OSCE and other international standards for democratic elections. In this respect I trust that shortcomings identified by the 2008 International Election Observation Mission will be diligently addressed. I assure you of my personal interest in all these undertakings." 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 | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. 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. |