Putin approves draft treaty for Crimea annexationMarch 18, 2014 - 14:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a draft treaty between Crimea and Moscow on the Ukrainian breakaway region’s reunification with Russia, the Kremlin said Tuesday, March 18, according to RIA Novosti. The Russian leader has officially informed the Russian parliament of a request from Crimea to join Russia as a new federal subject with the status of a republic. The city of Sevastopol, which hosts a major Russian naval base, would have a special status within the republic. Putin on Tuesday will address an assembly of both houses of parliament, heads of regions and representatives of public organizations about the request by Ukraine’s Crimea to become part of Russia. Crimea, a largely Russian-speaking autonomous republic within Ukraine, was part of Russia until it was transferred to Ukraine by Soviet leaders in 1954. Putin signed a decree Monday recognizing Crimea as an independent state, following a referendum Sunday that saw voters on the peninsula overwhelmingly support secession and reunification with Russia. Crimea’s leadership has refused to recognize as legitimate the new government in Ukraine that came to power following the ouster of pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych last month. 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 | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |