Ukraine's self-proclaimed republics in talks to uniteMay 13, 2014 - 13:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ukraine's self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics have begun negotiations on unification, RIA Novosti reported, citing a local spokesman. “The initiative of unifying the republics was brought forth yesterday. Preliminarily, talks should be held, as it is up to the leadership to decide. As of 10:00 am local time such talks are under way,” the spokesman said Tuesday, May 13. Both regions declared themselves sovereign states on Monday, with Donetsk reportedly planning to ask Moscow to join Russia. The Luhansk leadership also said it did not rule out the possibility of a referendum on becoming part of Russia. According to local officials in Donetsk and Luhansk, some 90 percent of voters in both regions supported the measure to secede from Ukraine and become independent sovereign states during referendums on Sunday. Moscow said it "respects the will of the people in Ukraine’s southeastern provinces and hopes that Kyiv would do the same." The U.S. and EU denounced the results of the vote. Photo: RIA Novosti 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |