RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF ARMENIA, AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA AND RUSSIA CALLED TO ESTABLISH LASTING PEACE IN CAUCASUSNovember 26, 2003 - 22:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Having held negotiations in Moscow today, religious leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia passed a joint address to their nations, which contains the main principles of peaceful settlement of conflicts in the Caucasus. "Abkhazia, Karabakh, Chechnia, South Osetia are still the bleeding wounds of our peoples. Terrorists, extremists and political radicals are trying to use national and religious differences to ground their goals that are alien to genuine religion," the document says. The address was signed by Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Alexy II, Catholicos of all Armenians Garegin II, Patriarch of all Georgia Ilia II and head of the Muslim Department of the Caucasus Allahshukur Pasha-zade. The religious leaders of the countries of "the Caucasian four" called politicians to convey a renewed impulse to the dialogue, directed at settlement of all differences hampering lasting peace in the Caucasus. They stated their readiness to take considerable part in such a dialogue, "Novosti" Russian agency reported. It should be noted that the 2-nd Inter-Religious Peacemaking Forum of the CIS countries will be held in Moscow March 2-4, 2004. 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 | CSTO says retains obligations to Armenia The CSTO retains all obligations to Armenia, the country remains an ally of the organization, Imangali Tasmagambetov says. Armenia officially recognises Palestine's statehood Armenia has officially recognised Palestine as a state, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Blinken urges Aliyev to conclude peace deal with Armenia “without delay” Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Thursday, June 20. Joe Manganiello visits Armenian Genocide memorial Hollywood star Joe Manganiello has visited the Armenian Genocide memorial in Yerevan, according to the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute. |