EC chief calls on Europe to improve relations with RussiaOctober 9, 2015 - 15:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The EU must restore a "practical relationship" with Russia and not let the U.S. "dictate" that policy, the European Commission chief has said, according to BBC News. Jean-Claude Juncker criticized U.S. President Barack Obama's description of Russia as merely "a regional power". EU-U.S. sanctions were imposed on Russia because of its intervention in Ukraine. Obama had a frosty meeting recently with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Russia must be treated decently," Juncker said in Germany. "We must make efforts towards a practical relationship with Russia. It is not sexy but that must be the case, we can't go on like this," he said, during a visit to Passau in southern Germany. Last year the West imposed visa bans and asset freezes on dozens of senior Russian officials. The sanctions also restricted Russian access to Western bank credits and industrial technology in the defense and energy sectors. In retaliation, Russia banned most imports of Western food and drink. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |