Day: December 14, 2023

Armenia, Europe Region: Population Movement- Operation Update #2 MDRAM012 – (13/12/2023) – Armenia  ReliefWeb

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 14-12-23  ARMENPRESS

Hazardous Mining: High Levels of Toxic Heavy Metals Found in Four Armenian Provinces  Hetq Online

Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers to meet in US in January  ARMENPRESS

European Union leaders have gathered in Brussels for a crucial two-day summit, poised to make significant decisions that will shape the future of the bloc’s policy towards Ukraine. The summit will address key issues, including the prospect of formal membership negotiations with Ukraine and the approval of a €50-billion special fund for long-term support, tied to a broader review of the common EU budget.

The decision on whether to open membership negotiations with Ukraine holds immense geopolitical importance, with implications for the stability of the region and the EU’s commitment to supporting nations affected by conflict. The proposed €50-billion special fund underscores the EU’s commitment to providing substantial financial aid to Ukraine for its recovery and development.

In addition to Ukraine-focused discussions, the summit agenda is packed with pressing matters. Leaders will address relations with other candidate countries, including Moldova, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the situation at the Finland-Russia border, migration, and matters related to security and defense will also be high on the list of priorities.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has emerged as a prominent figure at the summit, positioning himself as the main protagonist. Orbán has vociferously opposed the initiation of accession talks with Ukraine and has called for a halt to further provisions of financial and military assistance. Given that these decisions require unanimous approval from all 27 member states, Orbán’s opposition introduces an element of uncertainty into the proceedings.

The summit’s outcomes will not only influence the trajectory of EU-Ukraine relations but will also shape the union’s broader stance on critical geopolitical issues. As leaders engage in deliberations over the next two days, the world will be closely watching the decisions that emerge from this pivotal EU summit.

Baku/12.14.23/Turan: On December 14, the Khatai District Court of Baku arrested investigative journalist Hafiz Babaly for 3 months, during the investigation period.

During the meeting Babaly rejected the charge of smuggling, linking the criminal case with his professional journalistic activities, his lawyer Rasul Jafarov told reporters.  The defense will appeal…

NPR News: 12-14-2023 9AM EST

Armenia 3rd President Serzh Sargsyan: Nagorno-Karabakh cannot be dissolved by anyone’s statement  NEWS.am