OECD halts accession talks with RussiaMarch 13, 2014 - 15:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A grouping of the world's most developed countries says it's provisionally halting accession talks with Russia in a move many will see as a direct response to the country's takeover of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, the Associated Press reports. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which promotes good governance and economic policy initiatives among its 34 mainly rich world members, says it has "postponed activities related to the accession process" with Russia "for the time being." No explanation for the decision was provided in the statement Thursday, March 13. Russia has been in talks to join the since May 2007. As of last June Russia had concluded five of 22 reviews required for accession. The OECD also said it would "respond positively to Ukraine's request" for closer ties with the Paris-based OECD. Related links: Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. 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. |