Finland, Sweden say will work more closely with NATOAugust 27, 2014 - 15:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Finland and Sweden say they will work more closely with NATO by signing a pact that allows assistance from alliance troops in the Nordic countries in emergency situations, the Associated Press reports. The Finnish government says the Host Nation Support agreement applies to situations which include "disasters, disruptions and threats to security." It also enables joint training exercises and military cooperation. Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja said Wednesday, Aug 27, that the pact does not mean Finland, which already trains and works closely with NATO in international operations, is joining the alliance. Opinion polls in neighboring Finland and Sweden show majority opposition to NATO membership. Finland shares a 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) border with Russia. 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. |