Lavrov says Syria's chemical weapons under controlFebruary 2, 2013 - 16:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday, Feb 2, that the Syrian authorities keep chemical weapons under control, RIA Novosti reported. “We have reliable information that so far the Syrian government controls the situation” with the chemical weapons, Lavrov said at the International Security Conference in Munich. “If the rebels seize those weapons, they will become a huge threat. But still, the situation doesn’t give any grounds for serious worries,” he added. Syria has not signed the international Chemical Weapons Convention and is believed to possess mustard gas and sarin, an extremely toxic nerve agent. The CIA says Syria has had a chemical weapons program "for years” and that the weapons can be “delivered by aircraft, ballistic missile, and artillery rockets. Syria said this summer that they could be used against “foreign invaders.” Lavrov reiterated that Russia's stance against any foreign interference in the two-year civil war in Syria and a removal of its incumbent president bound in a standoff with the opposition. “The persistence of those who say that number one priority is to remove Assad is the only biggest reason for the continuing tragedy in Syria," he said. Lavrov is also expected to meet with Biden for a round of talks on Saturday to discuss the Syrian conflict. The two are expected to share views on cooperation in nuclear arms reduction, as well as economic and trade issues. During the three-day forum Lavrov is also expected to meet with other officials, including the UN and Arab League special envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi. 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 | Armenian delegation participating in NATO PA session The delegation is headed by Andranik Kocharyan, the chairman of the standing committee on defense and security matters. Schengen visa cost won’t change for Armenia – diplomat The increase in the cost of a Schengen visa will not apply to citizens of Armenia, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said. Yeremyan Projects opens state-of-the-art dairy production plant Yeremyan Projects officially launched the Yeremyan Products state-of-the-art milk processing plant in Yerevan on May 24. Armenian PM’s helicopter makes emergency landing in Vanadzor The helicopter transporting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made an emergency landing in Vanadzor. |