Russia expects Belarus, Syria, Libya, Jordan and Morocco to recognize Abkhazia and South OssetiaSeptember 10, 2008 - 14:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia established diplomatic relations with Tskhinvali and Sukhumi yesterday. In the near future, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will sign intergovernmental agreements on friendship and cooperation with the leaders of the two freshly recognized republics. Among other things, the agreements propose the placement of Russian military bases on the territories of the republics. Moscow is hoping that other countries will begin to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia. There is particular hope for Belarus, Syria, Libya, Jordan and Morocco. The CSTO member states have not taken a decision yet. Abkhazian Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba said the heads of state plan to sign the agreements in the nearest future. After that, they may be supplemented by individual bilateral agreements. "There is a point in the conciliated document on military cooperation with Russia, but still it is a general political agreement. We have plans to conclude a separate agreement on military cooperation," Shamba said. Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov reported to the Russian president that an agreement had been reached with the South Ossetian and Abkhazian authorities that the Russian military contingent will consist of 3800 people in each republic. "The structure of the forces and their placed of stationing have been determined. In South Ossetia, that will be the cities of Dzhava and Tskhinvali, and in Abkhazia so far that is the places where peacekeepers were," the Minister said, Kommersant daily 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |