Kocharian: Karabakh independence not article of commerceNovember 7, 2007 - 13:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "The situation in Nagorno Karabakh is far from being completely settled, although I believe it's possible," Armenian President Robert Kocharian said at Imperial Alexander University of Helsinki. There is a possibility of a stepwise resolution but it should be package deal, according to him. "Independence of Nagorno Karabakh cannot be an article of commerce. No one sells freedom. Selling others' freedom is immoral," the President said. Discussing the problem with Finnish President Tarja Halonen, the Armenian leader focused on Finland's coming presidency in the OSCE. "Finland will attempt to guide the process correctly," Mrs. Halonen remarked. For his part, the President Kocharian noted that during Finland's chairmanship in the EU, Armenia signed cooperation agreements with the European Union and voiced opinion that "in most cases our standpoints meet," ITAR-TASS reports. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |