Superpowers didn't press for Armenia-Turkey protocols signatureOctober 30, 2009 - 13:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The opinion that Armenia-Turkey protocols were signed under the pressure of superpowers is erroneous, Armenia's top diplomat said. "Superpowers support the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey but signing of protocols is the result of agreements achieved by the two countries," Edward Nalbandian said during a joint news conference with his Belarusian counterpart Sergei Martynov. "Armenia doesn't take decisions under pressure of third countries," he said. Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu signed the Swiss-mediated deal in Zurich on October 10 at a ceremony also attended by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and France's Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner. 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |