  Sergei Shamba: Abkhazia's independence will be recognized soonJuly 29, 2008 - 15:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Abkhazia is in the final straight before the finishing line, beyond which lies the recognition of its independence, Abkhazian Foreign Minister Sergei Shamba said. "Russia has already taken steps in this direction and the situation can't be described as frozen. Our small state faces numerous challenges and we need to find the so-called golden mean. We are interested in close relations with Russia, which is the guarantor of our security," he said, adding that the referendum in 1999 showed that over 90 per cent of the population stand for independent Abkhazia, RFE/RL 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 |  Related sections Latest 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 childrenMoscow 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. |
