OSCE MG: presidential meting marks significant progress in Karabakh processMay 8, 2009 - 16:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Ambassador Yuri Merzlyakov of Russia, Ambassador Bernard Fassier of France, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza of the United States - have today issued the following statement:"The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs organized a meeting of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, with their Foreign Ministers, on 7 May at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador in Prague. This meeting of the two Presidents is the fourth in less than a year. The Co-Chairs are of the opinion that each of these meetings has brought the sides closer to a breakthrough. Today's meeting marks significant progress in that regard. The Presidents welcomed the Co-Chairs' plan to intensify further their shuttle diplomacy to assemble all the elements required for a breakthrough. The Co-Chairs look forward to their next trip to the region and to prepare a further summit, as proposed to the Presidents, in St. Petersburg in early June. The Co-Chairs expect that these coming meetings will allow for the concrete realization of a breakthrough on the Basic Principles by the end of the year." 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |