Clinton urges Bulgaria to break its energy dependence on RussiaFebruary 5, 2012 - 15:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in Bulgaria, urging the country to break its energy dependence on Russia by diversifying its oil and gas supplies. According to The Associated Press, U.S. officials say Clinton will use her visit to promote alternatives to existing pipeline routes as well as developing new energy sources. They say eastern Europe's reliance on Russia for energy leaves it vulnerable to "unhealthy" political pressure from Moscow. Russia drew Washington's fury on Saturday when it vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Syria. Clinton will also encourage the former Soviet satellite “to share its experiences in moving to democracy with Arab nations emerging from authoritarian rule.” She will also urge Bulgaria to improve conditions for minority populations. Clinton flew to Bulgaria after attending an international security conference in Munich. 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 | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |