Syria recognizes Abkhazia, South Ossetia independenceMay 29, 2018 - 15:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syria and South Ossetia have agreed on mutual recognition and establishment of diplomatic relations, announced the website of South Ossetia's Foreign Ministry, according to B92. The administration of the president of Abkhazia also announced that Syria has recognized its independence, Sputnik in Serbian reported on Tuesday, May 29. "Abkhazia and Syria have announced the mutual recognition and establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the embassy level, reflecting their common aspiration to develop relations in all areas," the document says. Georgia considers Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories, in response to Russia's recognition of their independence after the war in August 2008. According to the Law on Occupied Territories, visits to these territories without the official Tbilisi permission is illegal and is punishable by either a large fine or imprisonment of up to four years. 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 | 17 bridges collapse as a result of floods in Armenia As a result of floods in Armenia’s northern Lori and Tavush provinces, 17 bridges, including five large ones, have collapsed. Armenia: Top cleric to retain title as he bids to become interim PM Galstanyan said earlier that the interim government would be tasked with stopping the “destruction of our homeland”. Ex-mayor of Karabakh capital arrested in Yerevan Ex-mayor of the Nagorno-Karabakh city of Stepanakert David Sargsyan has been arrested for 20 days. 269 people evacuated amid severe floods in Armenia’s north According to the Interior Ministry, 269 people have been evacuated from their homes in Lori and Tavush provinces. |