Merkel says ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Russia-Ukraine gas talksOctober 9, 2014 - 18:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she is "cautiously optimistic" that talks to resolve differences between Russia and Ukraine about the supply of natural gas will succeed, the Associated Press reports. Merkel says the dispute with Russia over its support for militias in eastern Ukraine will likely last for some time. But she told reporters in Berlin on Thursday, Oct 9, that she hoped European Union-brokered negotiations to secure Ukrainian and European gas supplies through the harsh winter months would bear fruit. EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger has been brokering talks that hinge on Russia's demand for Ukraine to repay its vast gas debts. Talking about the broader situation in Ukraine, Merkel said a UN report released Wednesday showing more than 300 deaths since the start of the cease-fire showed "how fragile the situation is." 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 | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |