NATO eyes missile defense cooperation with UkraineJune 3, 2012 - 16:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO is ready to interact with third countries, including Ukraine, on an individual basis to raise anti-ballistic missile defense efficiency, NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy Dirk Brengelmann said on Sunday, June 3, RIA Novosti reported. In an interview with Ukraine’s Mirror of the Week weekly ahead of his visit to the ex-Soviet republic, Brengelmann said Ukraine belonged to the group of countries that had quite a clear interest in the future development of NATO’s anti-ballistic missile defense. NATO and Ukraine discussed this issue during working consultations in March 2011 when the sides exchanged their views on the spheres of possible cooperation, he said. In March 2012, Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine Marcin Koziel said NATO was urging Kiev to formulate its position on the deployment of anti-ballistic missile defense system in Europe. Russia has retained staunch opposition to the planned deployment of U.S. missile defense systems near its borders, claiming they would be a security threat. NATO and the United States insist that the shield would defend NATO members against missiles from North Korea and Iran and would not be directed at Russia. 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |