OSCE will closely watch developments in South CaucasusJuly 2, 2008 - 20:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Resolution of so-called frozen conflicts in Caucasus is a priority for the OSCE, said Alexander Stubb, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. "I believe that the OSCE must be engaged in settlement of conflicts," he said in his address to the PACE PA 17th session. "Nagorno Karabakh is one of these conflicts. We have a special representative there, what proves how seriously we approach the issue," Mr Stubb said. He also mentioned that some progress is observed in relations between Transnistria and Moldova. "But, speaking frankly, we failed to fix any progress in the South Caucasus and I am concerned over the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia," Mr Stubb said. "We will closely watch developments in the region," he said, calling upon the conflicting countries for restraint, Trend Azeri news agency 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 | 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. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |