Medvedev warns EU not to turn Eastern Partnership against RussiaMay 22, 2009 - 12:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has warned the European Union not to turn a proposed partnership with former Soviet countries against Russia. "We would not want the Eastern Partnership to turn into partnership against Russia. There are various examples," Mr Medvedev told a news conference at the end of the summit, which brought together Czech President Vaclav Klaus, whose country holds the EU presidency, and EU Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso. "I would simply not want this partnership to consolidate certain individual states, which are of an anti-Russian bent, with other European states," he said. Moscow has accused the 27-member bloc of creating new dividing lines in Europe by offering closer ties to six former Soviet republics. The EU last week launched the plan to forge close political and economic ties with the six countries in exchange for democratic reforms. The Eastern Partnership Initiative is intended to bolster stability in the region, but without the prospect of eventual EU membership. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine have signed up to the initiative, BBC 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 | 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”. |