Lord Russell-Johnston dies on the eve of his 76th birthdayJuly 28, 2008 - 18:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Former President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly from 1999 to 2002, head of the subcommittee on Karabkah, Lord Russell-Johnston of Minginish died last night of bone marrow cancer on the eve of his 76th birthday.PACE President, Lluis Maria de Puig, today expressed his deepest sadness and sorrow at his death and extended his condolences to his family. "It is a sad day for all defenders of justice, peace and humanity. He leaves a great void in the hearts of all Europeans who had the privilege of crossing his path. His passion for European politics and his sense of friendship will always remain," Lluis Maria de Puig said. "We need moralpolitik, not realpolitik, was the message that guided him through his longstanding political career. Lord Russell-Johnston always behaved in a European way, basing attitudes on values. He worked relentlessly to extend the boundaries of human rights, because he was convinced that no other approach can so well secure peace, prosperity and freedom. In the Council of Europe, we are proud of our values, principles and standards. May I thank Lord Russell-Johnston, on behalf of our Assembly, for his tremendous contribution for making Europe a more humane and better place," PACE President concluded. 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 | 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 Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |