Russia urges closing Turkey border to bar extremists’ flow to SyriaApril 15, 2016 - 11:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia called Thursday, April 14 for the closing of the Turkey-Syrian border to prevent the Islamic State and the Al-Nusra Front extremist groups from receiving foreign fighters and weapons into Syria — and from exporting oil, artifacts and other goods, the Associated Press reports. Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told a Security Council meeting on countering terrorism that members should also think about imposing a complete trade and economic embargo against the Islamic State group. Churkin accused Turkey on Thursday of "complacency or inaction" in allowing fighters and weapons to cross into Syria and the bulk of IS oil to be exported along with cultural artifacts. "If Turkey feels that it is doing everything necessary to curtail the flows of supplies to terrorists, this could be corroborated by independent monitors," he said. Churkin called on the Turkish government "on a voluntary basis" to invite international observers to its borders with Syria and the port of Ceyhan. Read also:IS nets millions from antiquities trade smuggled through Turkey: Russia 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 | Armenian delegation participating in NATO PA session The delegation is headed by Andranik Kocharyan, the chairman of the standing committee on defense and security matters. Schengen visa cost won’t change for Armenia – diplomat The increase in the cost of a Schengen visa will not apply to citizens of Armenia, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said. Yeremyan Projects opens state-of-the-art dairy production plant Yeremyan Projects officially launched the Yeremyan Products state-of-the-art milk processing plant in Yerevan on May 24. Armenian PM’s helicopter makes emergency landing in Vanadzor The helicopter transporting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made an emergency landing in Vanadzor. |