Russia not offended by EU Eastern partnershipJune 3, 2009 - 00:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia is not offended by the EU Eastern partnership program, said Ambassador of Russia to EU Vladimir Chizhov. """In respect to being offended, we don't have such feelings. In fact, the European Union has a right to elaborate any regional initiatives and develop cooperation with any other countries. It is natural. We would like Eastern Partnership, like EU other regional initiatives, not create new separating lines over our continent and not impose on these countries an artificial dilemma, which is figuratively speaking: either the bright future with European Union or dark past with Russia, Vladimir Chizhov, Ambassador of Russia to EU said. "When Belorussia was faced the dilemma, if they recognize Abkhazia and South Osetia, then neither Eastern partnership, nor other program, and generally 'they will find themselves out of European consensus,'" Gazeta.ru writes, quoting Vladimir Chizhov. The Eastern Partnership summit took place on May 7 in Prague. 6 post-Soviet countries have been involved in the program: Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. 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. |