U.S. special envoy to visit Moscow, Riyadh for talks on Syria crisisAugust 27, 2015 - 11:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The newly appointed U.S. special envoy for Syria will visit Moscow, Geneva, and Riyadh this week in an attempt to find a political solution to the four-year old Syrian conflict, officials said Wednesday, Aug 26, according to RFE/RL European service. Michael Ratney will meet with Russian officials in Moscow Friday and Saudi officials in Riyadh Saturday, August 29, "to continue discussions about working towards a genuine political transition and bringing an end to the devastating crisis in Syria," an official said. In Geneva, he will meet with the United Nation's special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, RFE/RL says. Ratney, who has previously worked for the State Department in Jerusalem, Doha, and other cities in the Middle East, was appointed to his current post in July. "The secretary wants to continue to explore options with the Russians and with Saudi Arabia on what those political options might look like," said State Department spokesman John Kirby. 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |