Merkel says too soon for EU to lift Russia sanctionsAugust 28, 2015 - 12:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday, Aug 27, it was too soon for the European Union to lift sanctions against Russia, but that she hoped Berlin could work together with Moscow to solve international crises like the Syria conflict. "In view of the serious violations of international law and in view of the still fragile situation, we have unfortunately still not reached this point," Merkel said at a ceremony in Vienna to mark the 60th anniversary of Germany's chamber of commerce in Austria, according to Reuters. At the same time, Merkel stressed that Berlin wanted to have a "constructive" relationship with Moscow. "We want to have a partnership-like relationship with Russia, we have so many international problems," she said, adding that she hopes Russia can help play a role in solving the Syria crisis. 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. |