Mikheil Saakashvili offers to hold unconditional peace talks with RussiaNovember 23, 2010 - 15:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili says he plans to offer to hold unconditional peace talks with Russia - two years after the two countries went to war over a breakaway Georgian republic. In an interview with France’s Le Figaro newspaper published Monday, November 22, Mr. Saakashvili said he will formally make his offer during a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The Georgian leader said he also plans to renounce the unilateral use of force. Mr. Saakashvili called his plans “controversial,” saying “any country that is occupied is obligated to fight to defend its sovereignty.” He said he does not want to see Georgia wind up like Afghanistan, VOA News reported. Georgia and Russia fought a brief war in 2008 over the pro-Russian breakaway Georgian republic of South Ossetia. Russia quickly overwhelmed the Georgian forces and later recognized South Ossetia and another breakaway republic, Abkhazia, as independent countries. 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 | Russian Ambassador to Armenia summoned to Moscow for consultations Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin has been summoned to Moscow for consultations. Armenian border troops stationed in Tavush Starting from May 24, the Armenian border troops officially take over the protection of sections of the border in the Tavush region. Welcome to CaseKey 2024. Byblos Bank Armenia firmly stands by future innovators Strategic business cases, invaluable experience, innovative approaches and more than 25 events are in store for the participants of CaseKey 2024. Macron honors Charles Aznavour on 100th anniversary French President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to the memory of French-Armenian crooner Charles Aznavour. |