NATO to boost assistance to Moldovan army May 14, 2014 - 15:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) plans to increase its aid to the Moldovan army, NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow said Wednesday, May 14, according to RIA Novosti. Vershbow visited Moldova for a multiday working visit with the country’s leadership and defense officials. After talks with Moldovan Defense Minister Valeriu Troenco, Vershbow said NATO supports the country’s defense reforms and will consider expanding aid to its army as part of the alliance’s scientific and technical cooperation aimed at preserving peace and security and strengthening integrity. He thanked Moldovan troops for joining the NATO-led, United Nations-mandated mission in Kosovo, saying the move demonstrates that Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, has managed to become a force ensuring security in the region. In April, Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti said the country’s membership in NATO could significantly reinforce Moldova’s security. He said if the decision depended on him, he would vote for it. Under its constitution, Moldova has a non-aligned status.  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 |  Latest 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. |
