Russian PM signs decree to extend space cooperation with U.S.March 23, 2013 - 12:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree set to extend the U.S.-Russia agreement on cooperation in the use and exploration of outer space till 2020, the government said on Saturday. March 23, according to RIA Novosti. “The agreement extension corresponds with Russia’s interests and will help promote effective implementation of its space programs as well as joint U.S.-Russian space projects, including exploration of the Moon and Mars,” the government said in a statement on its official web site. Originally signed on June 17, 1992, the U.S.-Russian space cooperation agreement between NASA and the Russian Space Agency was later extended in 1997, 2002 and 2007. The agreement extension is embodied with an exchange of notes between the two states. Russia’s Foreign Ministry has already received the U.S. note, while Medvedev's decree has approved Russia's note draft. The U.S.-Russia space cooperation is seen as one of the most successful aspect in the bilateral relations. Russian spacecraft are currently the only transportation means for U.S. space crews traveling to the International Space Station, what provides Russia with needed financial resources for its space projects. 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 | Lemkin Institute petition seeks release of Armenians in Azerbaijan The Lemkin Institute is deeply concerned about the continued illegal detention of political prisoners from Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Armenian Catholicos calls for national unity against threats Karekin II issued a message on Republic Day marking the anniversary of the First Armenian Republic. Pashinyan: Armenia’s desired goal is “on the horizon” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia is moving forward “without interruption”. Opposition leader, supporters spend night at Sardarapat memorial Police made nearly 300 arrests the day before as Galstanyan and his supporters continued to demonstrate in Yerevan. |