Russia's Putin praises French presidential contender Francois FillonNovember 23, 2016 - 18:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday, November 23 he welcomed intentions to improve ties with Russia that have been voiced by contenders to be the French centre-right's presidential candidate, Reuters reports. Putin said he has good personal relations with one of the contenders, Francois Fillon, calling him an "upstanding person." Speaking to reporters, Putin also said that Moscow hopes that Western moves to counter Russian media will not result in serious restrictions. 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 | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |