Boris Johnson cancels Russia trip just hours before take-offApril 8, 2017 - 17:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Boris Johnson, the British Foreign Secretary, has dramatically cancelled plans to visit Moscow just hours before he was due to fly amid escalating tensions over Syria, The Telegraph said. The Foreign Office announced on Saturday, April 8 that Johnson would not be visiting Russia for talks in the wake of America’s unilateral air strike on Syria after the use of chemical weapons. The decision was made after consultation with Rex Tillerson, the US Secretary of State, about how to deal with the developing situation on Friday night. Sources close to Johnson said he would instead “lead efforts to bring together a coalition of support against ongoing Russian activity and the Syrian regime”. It is the second time Johnson has delayed the trip, which would have seen him become the first Foreign Secretary to visit Russia for half a decade. The decision is likely to be seen as a snub by the Russians, who on Friday were said to still be preparing for the visit. Johnson had been due to hold talks with Sergey Lavrov, his counterpart as Russian foreign minister, after flying out on Sunday. The pair were expected to have a working lunch before a press conference on Monday. Johnson was also due to meet Russian human rights activists and UK business leaders. The trip would have made Johnson the first Foreign Secretary to visit Russia since William Hague went to the country in May 2012. The decision comes after a dramatic downturn in relations between American and Russia after a chemical attack killed more than 70 Syrians, including children. Western leaders blamed Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian President who is being supported militarily by Russia in the civil war, for the attack. 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 | Russian Ambassador to Armenia summoned to Moscow for consultations Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin has been summoned to Moscow for consultations. Armenian border troops stationed in Tavush Starting from May 24, the Armenian border troops officially take over the protection of sections of the border in the Tavush region. Welcome to CaseKey 2024. Byblos Bank Armenia firmly stands by future innovators Strategic business cases, invaluable experience, innovative approaches and more than 25 events are in store for the participants of CaseKey 2024. Macron honors Charles Aznavour on 100th anniversary French President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to the memory of French-Armenian crooner Charles Aznavour. |