EU approved Eastern PartnershipMarch 21, 2009 - 00:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - European Union leaders endorsed a new "Eastern Partnership" that will allow the bloc to boost its aid to six former Soviet states by 600 million euros (814 million dollars), EU business reports."Our dream has come true, we have been able to adopt the Eastern Partnership," said Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, whose country currently holds the EU's rotating presidency. "There were different views but we managed to strike an agreement that's a great victory, not just for the countries concerned, but in particular for the EU itself," he told reporters after a summit in Brussels. The partnership is aimed at boosting democratic reform and the economies of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Its official launch is set for May 7, although doubts remain about Belarus' involvement. The project has been one of the cornerstone's of the Czech Republic's six-month presidency, and has had the strong backing of Poland and Sweden. "We got the 600 million euros!" said Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who has long sought that sum, claiming it was the "absolute minimum" for the EU to help stabilize these states hit hard by the economic crisis. France has been reluctant to approve such a budget, out of concern it might undermine support for Mediterranean nations that Paris favors. But doubts remain about whether Lukashenko will be invited to a May summit in Prague, when the six countries are expected to attend the inauguration of the eastern partnership. "That will depend on the behavior of Mr Lukashenko and the Belarus government in the coming weeks, but Belarus should be in the Eastern Partership," Schwarzenberg said. 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 | SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Armenia's Davit Chaloyan qualifies for Paris Olympics The Armenian boxer qualified for Paris Olympics after a series of successful bouts at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament. Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. French-Armenian journalist returns to France after 41-day hunger strike Nicolian said on social media on Sunday, June 2 that he needs to improve his health in order to “continue the fight”. |