Iran urges EU to review oil embargoFebruary 4, 2012 - 15:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi said Saturday, February 4 that Iran will definitely stop its oil exports to certain European countries, Xinhua news agency reported. Qasemi did not identify the countries but his remarks came after the European Union (EU) leaders endorsed last Monday the latest restrictive sanction measures on Iran's oil exports adopted by the EU foreign ministers on Jan 23. During a press conference on Saturday he called on the EU states to review their decision on the oil embargo on Iran, saying that EU states' oil imports from the Islamic republic comprised just 18 percent of its total oil exports. "Unfortunately the EU has succumbed to America's pressure. I hope they would review their decision on sanctioning Iran's oil exports ... the oil market is balanced," Reuters quoted him as Rostam Qasemi saying. Late in January, Qasemi said that according to the Iranian Oil Ministry's future plans, "we will cut our exports to certain countries" in response to EU's recent oil embargo against Iran. He said that less than 20 percent of Iran's oil exports are destined for Europe and the EU sanctions will take a heavy toll on the European people, adding that the embargo would not create a problem for Iran's oil exports even if sales to Europe were halted. 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. |