Alexander Khloponin: Caucasus not an A-bomb or powder barrelMay 16, 2010 - 15:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Alexander Khloponin, Russian deputy prime minister and presidential envoy to North Caucasus Federal District believes Russia has to learn to perceive Caucasus as the country’s strategic region. “Caucasus is not an A-bomb or powder barrel threatening to explode; it’s a strategic territory to Russia,” he noted. “This if the reason for all investments, as well as the number of armed forces stationed in the region.” Deputy prime minister cited several reasons to consider Caucasus as a strategic region, one of them the country’s being the basis for Russia’s intellectual potential development. “Caucasus has crucial role in preventing penetration of terrorism, extremism, pseudo-Islam in Russia. Serving as a bridge to Middle East, Caucasus also contributes to Russia’s demographic potential growth.” As Alexander Khloponin stated, development of local production in South Caucasus should be set as a basis for further progress in the region. Related links: 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 | Pashinyan’s spokesperson denies intention to visit Baku for COP29 Pashinyan’s agenda doesn’t include a trip to Baku for the COP29 conference, his press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan has said. Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. Armenia: Rescue workers restore pedestrian bridge for flood-hit community Rescue workers on Wednesday, June 5 restored a pedestrian bridge in the town of Alaverdi in Armenia’s north. Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. |