OSCE will closely watch developments in South CaucasusJuly 2, 2008 - 20:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Resolution of so-called frozen conflicts in Caucasus is a priority for the OSCE, said Alexander Stubb, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. "I believe that the OSCE must be engaged in settlement of conflicts," he said in his address to the PACE PA 17th session. "Nagorno Karabakh is one of these conflicts. We have a special representative there, what proves how seriously we approach the issue," Mr Stubb said. He also mentioned that some progress is observed in relations between Transnistria and Moldova. "But, speaking frankly, we failed to fix any progress in the South Caucasus and I am concerned over the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia," Mr Stubb said. "We will closely watch developments in the region," he said, calling upon the conflicting countries for restraint, Trend Azeri news agency 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 | Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. Armenia: Rescue workers restore pedestrian bridge for flood-hit community Rescue workers on Wednesday, June 5 restored a pedestrian bridge in the town of Alaverdi in Armenia’s north. Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. For the first time, Armenia votes in favor of Georgia resolution in UN Armenia on Tuesday, June 4 voted for the first time in favor a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. |