Merkel slams Russian military presence in Abkhazia, South OssetiaAugust 24, 2018 - 11:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized the continued presence of Russian troops in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, local media report. “What happens in Georgia is unfair. The Russian president knows my position regarding Georgia and about Ukraine too... Despite great effort, very little is being done to end this injustice forever. It should not become a daily reality…We should not tolerate such a situation,” Merkel said at a joint press-conference with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Mamuka Bakhtadze, on August 23. She also noted that Germany supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and will do its best to help peacefully resolve the conflict. “We are doing what we can to contribute to the regulation of the situation…Last year we celebrated 25 years of diplomatic ties between our countries…Georgia and Germany have a long-lasting relationship. Of course we support Georgia,” the Chancellor affirmed. Merkel will arrive in Armenia on Friday and leave for Azerbaijan the next day. 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 | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province 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. |