Russia dismisses Georgia's concerns about Black Sea drillsApril 1, 2013 - 15:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Moscow on Monday, April 1, dismissed Tbilisi’s condemnation of Russian military drills in the Black Sea region, RIA Novosti reported. The Georgian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday that Russia’s actions “are at odds with the interests of stability” in Europe and cannot be viewed as a “proportional reaction to possible threats.” The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday that Georgia’s assertion was 'groundless and out of synch' with its declared commitment to normalize its relationship with Russia. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich described Tbilisi’s reaction as “the public inflation of a Russian threat to cover its own confrontational policy.” Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the snap drills on Thursday, as concerns persist over the combat readiness of the armed forces in Russia. The Black Sea exercise, which ended on Sunday, involved up to 7,000 military personnel, including rapid deployment, airborne and special task forces, more than 30 warships, about 250 armored vehicles, up to 20 pieces of artillery and 20 aircraft. Under international law, exercises of this size do not need to be announced to other countries in advance. 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. |