Ashton to meet Iranian FM for nuke talks “soon”August 19, 2013 - 14:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union's foreign policy chief has said she will "soon" meet the new Iranian foreign minister amid the need for swift and substantial talks over Tehran's disputed nuclear programme. Catherine Ashton's office called Mohammad Javad Zarif to congratulate him on his appointment, Belfast Telegraph said. Ashton said she and the nations negotiating with Iran on the nuclear issue - the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany - were looking forward to engaging with Tehran's new negotiating team as soon as it is appointed to find a diplomatic solution. The West fears that Iran's nuclear programme is aimed at making atomic weapons, and has imposed a series of sanctions. Iran insists it atomic programme is for peaceful purposes only. 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 | Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. Armenia: Rescue workers restore pedestrian bridge for flood-hit community Rescue workers on Wednesday, June 5 restored a pedestrian bridge in the town of Alaverdi in Armenia’s north. Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. For the first time, Armenia votes in favor of Georgia resolution in UN Armenia on Tuesday, June 4 voted for the first time in favor a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. |