Nations face severe Syria crisis, Annan warnsJune 30, 2012 - 16:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syria envoy Kofi Annan has warned that if nations trying to end the country's violence fail to act they face an international crisis of "grave severity." He said history "will judge us all harshly if we prove incapable of taking the right path today." The talks hosted by the United Nations at its European headquarters in Geneva on Saturday, June 30, are seen as a last-ditch attempt to salvage Annan's peace plan. Russia's determination to preserve its last remaining ally in the Middle East has collided head-on with U.S. and other Western powers' desire to replace Assad with a democracy. Diplomats are growing pessimistic that the UN-brokered conference can bridge the Russia-U.S. divide. "By being here today, you suggest intention to show leadership, but can you follow through?" Annan said, according to the Associated Press. 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 | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |