EU, Germany downplay reports of collapsed negotiations with U.S.August 29, 2016 - 16:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Both the European Union's lead negotiator in trade talks with the United States and the spokesman for Germany's chancellor on Monday, August 29 downplayed assertions that negotiations on the proposed landmark pact have collapsed, the Associated Press reports. German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, who is also Germany's vice chancellor, had said Sunday that "in my opinion, the negotiations with the United States have de facto failed, even though nobody is really admitting it." Asked Monday by The Associated Press whether Gabriel's claims were true, chief EU negotiator Ignacio Garcia Bercero said: "No, no. Remember what Mark Twain said." Twain once quipped that reports of his death were "greatly exaggerated." German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said that while Europe and the United States still disagree over certain parts of a free trade deal, the talks aren't over yet. Steffen Seibert also told reporters in Berlin it was "right to continue negotiating," noting that often a breakthrough is only achieved "in the final round," AP says. Gabriel noted Sunday that in 14 rounds of talks on the massive trans-Atlantic pact, commonly known as TTIP, the two sides haven't agreed on a single common item out of 27 chapters being discussed. His spokeswoman, Tanja Alemany, said her boss's comments were based on the lack of movement on the part of the U.S. and that "he came to the realistic assessment" that there won't be a deal this year. Asked Monday to comment on Gabriel's remarks, Margaritis Schinas, chief spokesperson for the EU's executive body, the European Commission, told reporters that "although trade talks take time, the ball is rolling right now," and that the EU-U.S. negotiations have entered "a crucial stage." 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. 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. |