NATO offers Georgia, Ukraine "intensive engagement"April 4, 2008 - 14:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO's chief has reassured Ukraine and Georgia that there's "not a sliver of a doubt" the two ex-Soviet republics will join the alliance before long."We agreed that these countries will become members of NATO," Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said after intense morning discussions in Bucharest that lasted several hours more than anticipated. In what was seen as a hard-fought compromise, the secretary general said NATO and the two applicants would begin political discussions 'at the highest level' leading up to a December meeting of NATO foreign ministers, who will be entrusted with the power to decide on whether to offer them MAPs. De Hoop Scheffer also called on Ukraine to go ahead with democratic reforms and said NATO leaders were looking forward to the staging of fair elections in Georgia in May. By way of consolation, Scheffer said NATO would offer Georgia and Ukraine "intensive engagement," the AP reports. 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 | SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Armenia's Davit Chaloyan qualifies for Paris Olympics The Armenian boxer qualified for Paris Olympics after a series of successful bouts at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament. Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. French-Armenian journalist returns to France after 41-day hunger strike Nicolian said on social media on Sunday, June 2 that he needs to improve his health in order to “continue the fight”. |