Russian, Ukrainian President to hold talks in ParisOctober 2, 2015 - 12:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to meet leaders of Ukraine, France and Germany in a revived European push to bring peace to eastern Ukraine, the Associated Press reports. The long-awaited summit in Paris on Friday, October 2, is being overshadowed by international concerns about Russia's military intervention in Syria this week. A senior French diplomat expressed guarded optimism about Friday's talks, which are expected to address more autonomy for eastern regions and withdrawing weapons. French President Francois Hollande, in proposing the meeting, praised progress in implementing a troubled February peace deal and said if that continues, "I will argue for lifting the sanctions." EU sanctions and a subsequent Russian embargo have hurt many European companies. The conflict between government forces and Russia-backed separatists has killed more than 8,000 and displaced 2 million since April 2014. Related links: 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 | Russian Ambassador to Armenia summoned to Moscow for consultations Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin has been summoned to Moscow for consultations. Armenian border troops stationed in Tavush Starting from May 24, the Armenian border troops officially take over the protection of sections of the border in the Tavush region. Welcome to CaseKey 2024. Byblos Bank Armenia firmly stands by future innovators Strategic business cases, invaluable experience, innovative approaches and more than 25 events are in store for the participants of CaseKey 2024. Macron honors Charles Aznavour on 100th anniversary French President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to the memory of French-Armenian crooner Charles Aznavour. |