Sanctions on Belarus extended for 1 yearNovember 14, 2009 - 10:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union will prolong a freeze on restrictions against Belarus next week, but not lift the threat entirely due to a lack of progress on political reform, says a draft statement elaborated prior to Foreign Ministers' meeting due on November 16-17. Under the document, long-term freezing of sanctions was made possible due to the release of Belarusian pro-opposition figures. The threat of sanctions will not be scrapped entirely given Belarus's lack of progress on democracy, Reuters reports. The EU wants to see electoral reform and movement on human rights, including an end to crackdowns on political activity and the media. As well as political reforms, the EU wants Belarus to impose a moratorium on the use of the death penalty and move rapidly towards its abolition. European Union imposed a ban on issuing visas to 36 Belarusian officials, including President Alexander Lukashenko. Later on, Union observed electoral wrongdoings in the country during 2006 election. However, in 2008, it suspended sanctions to promote reforms in former Soviet republic. 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 | Politico: Belarus delivered advanced weapons to Azerbaijan in 2018-2022 Belarus delivered advanced weapons to Armenia’s enemy even though both countries were supposedly allies in a defense pact. Armenia Security Council chief to attend Ukraine peace summit Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will take part in the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland. Armenian govt. approves ratification of EAEU-Iran free trade deal At a meeting on Friday, June 14, the Armenian government approved the ratification of an EAEU free trade agreement with Iran. Deputy U.S. Secretary of State to arrive in Yerevan Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will travel to Yerevan, Armenia from June 17-19 to. |