Karabakh conflict not frozen, Markedonov saysFebruary 1, 2008 - 15:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "From time to time, Yerevan has to response to Baku's growing militarism. In January, Armenian Defense Minister Mikael Harutyunyan shocked media by tough statements not peculiar to Armenian officials," said Sergei Markedonov, head of the international relations department of the institute of political and military analysis. "The Minister stated that he leads an army which is ready to defense and attack. He warned that Azerbaijan might lose another 20% of its territories and receive extra 2 million refugees in case it wages ear," Markedonov reminded. "The January tour of the OSCE mediators was interspersed with optimistic statements. They visited Baku, Yerevan and Stepanakert. Moreover, they participated in a monitoring of the contact line. Consequently, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict can't be described as 'frozen'. There is dynamics but it's far from being positive," he said adding that the latest package proposed by the mediators is the best one they could ever develop, Politcom reports. 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 | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |