Joint efforts essential for establishment of peace and stability in CaucasusFebruary 9, 2009 - 12:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Caucasus, which has been expelled from vital international processes for 70 years, has asserted its positions as a communication corridor and energy transportation route. It has also become a democracy platform, Armenian President said. "Today, despite disagreement on some issues, South Caucasus states have gained a foothold as international players. Armenia is a country, which believes in peace and cooperation values," Serzh Sargsyan said when addressing the 45th Munich Security Conference. "Regional cooperation and dialogue is the only way to establish peace and stability throughout the region and we should join efforts for the purpose," he added. "I believe that some regional leaders can offer unconventional ideas and demonstrate political will. I am optimist about the future of our region," Sargsyan said, the President's press office reported. 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 | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |