U.S. bars Russian delegation from talks in WashingtonMarch 3, 2014 - 16:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States has barred a delegation of Russian health officials from talks in Washington this week as the U.S. simmers over the deployment of Russian troops in crisis-stricken Ukraine, RIA Novosti reports. The U.S. embassy notified the delegation’s head that its invitation was being rescinded less than a day before the group’s planned departure to the U.S. to discuss Kazakhstan’s potential accession to the World Trade Organization, Russian officials said Monday. Russia’s veterinary and agricultural watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, which was sending the delegation, denounced the measure as “sabotage,” according to a statement posted on the agency’s website. Troops widely believed to be Russian but lacking official insignia have deployed across Crimea since Thursday, isolating Ukrainian military installations and urging soldiers stationed inside to lay down their arms. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday that the U.S. was prepared to economically isolate Russia, while promising financial support for the new Ukrainian government, made up of an erstwhile opposition that ousted President Viktor Yanukovych, a close ally of Russia, on Feb 22. Washington earlier said it had abandoned preparations to attend a summit of the Group of Eight powerful democracies to be held in the Russian city of Sochi in June. On Monday, all members of the bloc besides Russia signed a statement condemning the reported deployment as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The latest round of talks on Kazakhstan’s WTO accession is being held March 3-6 in Washington, and the Rosselkhozdnadzor representatives were to participate as experts. The agency had recently partially lifted a ban imposed on U.S.-produced meat imports last year due to concerns about a growth stimulant in animal feed. 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. |