Kremlin comments on Russia's return to the G8August 31, 2016 - 16:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Moscow prefers the G20 format to the G8 because it better represents the lineup of forces on the international arena, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday, August 31. His comments came after German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier cited considerable progress on Syria and Ukraine as preconditions for considering Russia rejoining the G8. "Moscow is absolutely satisfied with the G20 format, which fully reflects the balance of power and gives Russia maximum opportunities for realizing its potential," RIA Novosti cited Peskov as saying. 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 | Police try to impede Armenian Church head’s access to war memorial Police tried to stop the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos Karekin II, from visiting a war memorial. Greece says ready to help as Armenia fights flooding consequences Greece is ready to assist Armenia in combatting the consequences of deadly floods in the country’s north. “He will leave”: Protest leader no longer demands meeting with Pashinyan Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan no longer demands a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Lemkin Institute petition seeks release of Armenians in Azerbaijan The Lemkin Institute is deeply concerned about the continued illegal detention of political prisoners from Karabakh in Azerbaijan. |