New military doctrine entitles Russia to first nuclear strikeDecember 22, 2009 - 16:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The new military doctrine, approved by the Security Council recognizes Russia's right to use nuclear weapons first in case of threat to its statehood, Nikolai Makarov, RF Army General and Chief of Armed Forces' General Staff, told a traditional annual meeting with foreign military attaches accredited in Moscow on December 21.He did not disclose other provisions of the document, noting that details will become available only after the RF president approves it. According to him, the new military doctrine articulates current threats and challenges to Russia's security. As Nikolai Makarov noted, five objectives of the military reform have been addressed in 2009, such as bringing all military formations and units to the status of permanent readiness, establishing military equipment bases in each military district, etc. The costly process of re-equipping of forces with modern weapons will extend until 2020, General Makarov said. Saying that Russia and the United States will proceed signing of a new START Treaty in early 2010, he mentioned that the previous treaty was detrimental to Russia. "We come to understanding in the vast majority of issues," he concluded. 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. |