EU carried away by criticizing political leadership in South Caucasus statesApril 17, 2008 - 19:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Johannes Rau: Europe has failed to establish sustainable political an economic relations with the South Caucasus states so far.The European Union has fallen behind the U.S., Turkey and Russia in ensuring its interests and establishment of long-term relations, said Johannes Rau, member of the International Security Scientific Forum at Bundeswehr Academy, Hamburg, Germany. "This lag became obvious after the USSR decline. Europe has failed to establish sustainable political an economic relations with the South Caucasus states so far," he said. Asked about reasons, Mr Rau said, "The EU is carried away by giving advice, reproaching and criticizing the leadership of these countries. Instead, it should work for strengthening of economic ties. Not long ago, the entire world criticized the Soviet Union for its ideology. Now, Europe is aspired to represent its model of democracy as the most perfect. It's a big mistake," Mr Rau said, Azeri site 1news.az reports. 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 | U.S. believes peace is “possible” in South Caucasus The United States continues to believe that peace is possible in the South Caucasus, Vedant Patel said. Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. |