Russia to provide $2 billion loan to Belarus: PutinDecember 26, 2013 - 10:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian government will provide Belarus up to $2 billion in a long-term loan next year, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday, Dec 25, according to RIA Novosti. “The Russian government has decided to render assistance to our colleagues in connection with recent events on global markets, and provide Belarus with an additional loan of up to $2 billion,” Putin said. Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said the loan would be financed from Russia’s budget and “other sources.” No money for the loan is expected to be withdrawn from Russia’s National Welfare Fund, an off-budget reserve of accumulated oil and gas revenue. Related links: 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. |