Lavrov to discuss Karabakh conflict and opening of Armenian-Turkish border in AnkaraJune 30, 2008 - 15:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will pay a formal visit to Turkey on July 2."The purpose of the visit is to discuss urgent regional and international issues, including the Iraqi problem, Iran's nuclear problem, and situation in Kosovo, Transcaucasus, Cyprus and Central Asia. Mr Larvov will also refer to the Russian-Turkish relations," said Andrey Nesterenko, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry. Turkish sources say the Russian Minister will also touch upon the Karabakh conflict settlement and opening of the Armenian-Turkish border. Mr Lavrov is expected to meet with Turkey's President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ali Babacan to discuss cooperation within the BSEC and other Black Sea formats. Afterwards, the Minister will depart for Baku to accompany President Dmitry Medvedev during his first formal visit to Azerbaijan. 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 | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |