Lithuanians protesting Chevron shale gas exploration plansFebruary 26, 2013 - 18:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Several hundred Lithuanians were protesting in the capital against the government's plan to proceed with shale gas exploration, AP reported. The demonstrations in Vilnius were fueled by a recent decision to issue an exploration license to U.S. oil company Chevron in western Lithuania. Protesters on Tuesday, February 26 banged drums and held signs reading "Chevron, go away!" and "No American capitalists on Lithuanian soil." Critics say exploring for shale gas creates a significant environmental risk in the heavily forested areas close to the Baltic Sea. But supporters argue shale gas represents a rare opportunity to decrease energy dependency on Russia, which currently supplies all of the country's gas. Lithuania could have 50 billion - 60 billion cubic meters of shale gas reserves, or about 20 years' worth of gas at current rates of consumption. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |