Georgia expresses willingness to open Upper Lars checkpoint for ArmeniaNovember 2, 2009 - 18:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgia's Deputy FM Nino Kalandadze has denied reports on direct talks with Russia for restoring Upper Lars checkpoint. In the meantime, Georgian diplomat confirmed that technical negotiations with Armenia continued."Considering that checkpoint opening is of key interest, we are ready to make any concession. Even though Russia still creates certain problems, we have agreed with Armenian side to start technical negotiations which are already under way," civil.ge quotes Kalandadze as saying. Land communication between Georgia and Russia was blocked after Russia's closing the Upper Lars Checkpoint in 2006. The transit route is also close to Armenia. Georgian Foreign Ministry announced in May that Tbilisi was willing to open Kazbegi - Upper Lars checkpoint. However, no decision was made thereafter. 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 | CSTO budget “to be adjusted due to Yerevan’s non-payment of contributions” The CSTO budget for the current year requires adjustments due to the refusal of Yerevan to pay their share of contributions. Russia sends note of protest to Armenia over envoy’s trip to Ukraine’s Bucha Russia has sent a note of protest to Armenia over the visit of Vladimir Karapetyan and Tigran Ter-Margaryan to Bucha. Armenia: Protesters march to parliament, some spend the night on street The protesters did not disperse despite heavy rain that began at around 2 a.m. local time. Concept to complete Yerevan Cascade discussed at city hall A conceptual proposal to complete the Cascade complex in downtown Yerevan has been presented by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. |