Russia to launch military exercises in Armenia?January 16, 2012 - 19:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia has launched large-scale preparations for Kavkaz-2012 military maneuvers, according to Nezavisimaya Gazeta. The exercises will cover only the territory of Southern Russia, but also that of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Armenia, with Kavkaz-2012 becoming a major event in 2012. The plan is currently being drafted out, with military preparations to involve development of training tasks in face of a possible war against Iran, as well as other possible conflicts in Caspian and South Caucasus region. It is noteworthy that the maneuvers’ will be aimed at development of modern military techniques with new automated control systems. According to Director of the Center of Military Forecasting Anatoly Tsyganok, preparations are already under way amid escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf. 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 | Armenian delegation participating in NATO PA session The delegation is headed by Andranik Kocharyan, the chairman of the standing committee on defense and security matters. Schengen visa cost won’t change for Armenia – diplomat The increase in the cost of a Schengen visa will not apply to citizens of Armenia, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said. Yeremyan Projects opens state-of-the-art dairy production plant Yeremyan Projects officially launched the Yeremyan Products state-of-the-art milk processing plant in Yerevan on May 24. Armenian PM’s helicopter makes emergency landing in Vanadzor The helicopter transporting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made an emergency landing in Vanadzor. |