Australia makes surprise pledge of $165mln to UN climate fundDecember 10, 2014 - 09:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Australia has made a surprise pledge of 200 million Australian dollars ($165 million) to a key UN climate fund, the Associated Press reports. Expectations of an Australian contribution to the Green Climate Fund were low after Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said last week that Australia will continue to help developing countries cope with climate change through its own aid program. But in Lima on Tuesday, Dec 9, Bishop announced that Australia would provide money to the fund as part of its "commitment to play our part in the global response to climate change." The fund has now received pledges of more than $10 billion. Bishop said Australia is already making major contributions to address the effects of climate change, including through national direct action and international engagement, including its aid program. Related links: Related issues: 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. |