France, Germany threaten more Russia sanctions if Ukraine poll failsMay 10, 2014 - 17:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - France and Germany have threatened Russia with further sanctions if Ukraine's presidential election on 25 May fails to go ahead, BBC News reported. President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement they feared further destabilisation of Ukraine. They also said referendums planned by pro-Russian activists in eastern Ukraine for Sunday, May 11 would be illegal. They called for a visible reduction in Russian forces on the Ukrainian border. Russia is estimated by Nato to have some 40,000 troops near the border, though Moscow says they have been pulled back. Ukraine's interim President Olexander Turchynov, meanwhile, warned the referendums could result in the "self-destruction" of regions that vote in favour of federalisation. Photo: Wikimedia Commons 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. |