David Miliband: Eastern Partnership can be a step toward possible EU membershipOctober 28, 2009 - 11:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband sees the Eastern Partnership, the recently launched new framework for cooperation between the European Union and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine as a "step toward possible membership" of the Union. "To Europe's East, poor governance, the financial crisis, and frozen conflicts are critical causes of instability," he said speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. "The Eastern Partnership should be not only a stepping stone towards possible membership, but a crucial vehicle for stability, because through integration into the single market we can promote economic reform and drive economic growth; and if the countries on our east join the common energy community it will enhance not only their energy security but also our own," Mr. Miliband 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 | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |