Iran starts new initiative for establishing consultations with regional countriesSeptember 16, 2008 - 19:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's ongoing shuttle diplomacy over the past days is directed at promoting peace and stability in the Caucasus region in the aftermath of the Georgian war, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said. Speaking after his meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank- Walter Steinmeier, Mottaki said a major objective of his mediation efforts in the Caucasus was "to establish and protect stability and security" in the region. Pointing to his recent trips to Russia and Azerbaijan as part of Iran's active diplomacy in the energy-rich Caucasus region, Mottaki added his country "started a new regional initiative for establishing consultations with regional countries." Iran's chief diplomat urged also European countries to support the regional initiative. He expressed hope mechanisms could be "reached for protecting security and peace in the region." "Everything will be complicated, if we don't find a solution. The military approach created problems in the region," the minister added. Mottaki warned also against "interference from countries and parties outside the region," IRNA 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 | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |