Lavrov, Kerry discuss Syria conference, Iran nuke talksNovember 18, 2013 - 11:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia’s foreign minister and the U.S. secretary of state on Sunday, November 17 discussed cooperation in the preparation for an international conference on Syria and a regular round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported, according to RIA Novosti. Sergei Lavrov and John Kerry spoke to each other by phone. The conversation was held on the U.S. side's initiative, the ministry said, without elaborating. According to UN statistics, more than 100,000 people have died in the 2 1/2-year civil war in Syria. The number of refugees caused by the conflict hit 2 million in September. Western countries suspect Iran of using its nuclear program to develop atomic weapons, a claim that Iran has consistently denied. Tehran claims it needs atomic technology for producing electricity, although it has some of the world’s largest reserves of oil and gas. Related links: 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 | Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. Armenia calls for prohibiting threats of attacks on nuclear facilities Armenia has raised the need for a treaty prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes. Armenia says ready to extend nuclear plant’s lifetime by 10 years Armenia has taken necessary measures to extend the lifetime of its nuclear power plant until 2036. 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. |