Russia not planning to join EUOctober 17, 2008 - 18:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia is a self-sufficient country and has no intention to join the European Union, Vladimir Chizhov, RF permanent representative to the EU, said when commenting on Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi's statement."We have every reason to develop independently, but not as a part of a union," Chizhov said, adding that Russia has some obligations to its neighbors, the former USSR republics, Russian media reports. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Wednesday that he is in favor of Russia becoming a member of the European Union, a "vision" he has held for several years. "I consider Russia to be a Western country and my plan is for the Russian Federation to be able to become a member of the European Union in the coming years," Berlusconi told reporters in Brussels. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |