Russia, Georgia brace for February talks to be held in PragueJanuary 12, 2017 - 12:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A next round of talks between Georgian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin is "scheduled for the first half of February, 2017 in Prague," TASS cited Abashidze as saying on Wednesday, January 11. In the latest telephone conversation with Karasin, "an initial agreement was made that the next meeting in ‘Abashidze-Karasin’ format will most probably take place in Prague in the first half of February," he said. The meeting will focus on "issues of the two countries’ cooperation in trade, economy, transport, culture, humanitarian aspects and current issues," Abashidze said. In November 2012, Georgia’s then Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili established a post of "the prime minister’s special envoy for relations with Russia" and appointed in the post Abashidze, a renowned diplomat and the country’s ambassador to Russia between 2000 and 2004. On December 14, 2012, Abashidze’s first meeting with Karasin took place in a Geneva suburb. On September 2, 2008 Georgia severed diplomatic ties with Russia "over activities of the Russian Federation in Georgia in August 2008 and recognition of (independence) of Abkhazia and the Tskhinval region by Russia." Moscow recognized as independent two Georgian breakaway republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, following Georgia's attack on South Ossetia that entailed Russia's peacemaking operation in August 2008. 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. |