Russia not offended by EU Eastern partnershipJune 3, 2009 - 00:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia is not offended by the EU Eastern partnership program, said Ambassador of Russia to EU Vladimir Chizhov. """In respect to being offended, we don't have such feelings. In fact, the European Union has a right to elaborate any regional initiatives and develop cooperation with any other countries. It is natural. We would like Eastern Partnership, like EU other regional initiatives, not create new separating lines over our continent and not impose on these countries an artificial dilemma, which is figuratively speaking: either the bright future with European Union or dark past with Russia, Vladimir Chizhov, Ambassador of Russia to EU said. "When Belorussia was faced the dilemma, if they recognize Abkhazia and South Osetia, then neither Eastern partnership, nor other program, and generally 'they will find themselves out of European consensus,'" Gazeta.ru writes, quoting Vladimir Chizhov. The Eastern Partnership summit took place on May 7 in Prague. 6 post-Soviet countries have been involved in the program: Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus. 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. |