Armenia rejects Putin's EU referendum demand amid shifting relations with Russia
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has rejected Moscow's call for a referendum on Armenia joining the EU, stating that relations with Russia are in a "transformation phase." This comes as the Kremlin increases pressure on Armenia due to its growing ties with Brussels, including banning fish imports from Armenia and recalling its ambassador. Pashinyan indicated that a referendum would only be considered if Yerevan officially applied for EU membership or was close to candidate status. Armenia, an ex-Soviet republic, has historically been allied with Russia but has sought other allies after feeling unprotected by Moscow in conflicts with Azerbaijan. Russia's President Vladimir Putin had previously criticized Armenia's moves towards the Western bloc, suggesting that membership in both the EU and the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union would be impossible.
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The Asaba community in Delta State has launched a free ambulance service initiative, supported by an initial N10 million donation. Speaking at the unveiling, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, stated that the project aims to enhance emergency healthcare delivery for residents. Although the ambulances are yet to be purchased, the initiative follows months of planning. Azinge emphasized that the service will be community-driven, offered free of charge to all Asaba residents, and will create employment opportunities. He called on various organizations and Asaba indigenes to support the initiative, expressing confidence in its success given the community's existing healthcare professionals. The Asagba announced plans to commission at least five ambulances within the next two months and highlighted ongoing efforts to revitalize primary healthcare centers. He noted that this initiative complements healthcare efforts by the Delta State and Federal Governments, recalling previous donations of dialysis machines to local hospitals. Emergency communication and security measures will be implemented for smooth operations. Azinge commended the Drug Rehabilitation Committee for its contributions.
The Police Service Commission PSC has disavowed a list circulating on social media, falsely claiming to be a shortlist of candidates for medical examination in the ongoing police recruitment exercise. In a statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, the PSC clarified that no such shortlist has been released. The Commission stated that the evaluation of the written examination is still being finalized, and successful applicants will be officially notified for medical examination in the coming days through email, SMS, the recruitment portal, and other official channels. The PSC emphasized its commitment to a merit-based recruitment process and warned the public to be wary of fraudsters. It reiterated that the recruitment process is free at all stages and urged applicants to disregard unofficial messages, awaiting formal communication from the Commission.
Must ReadDespite heavy rainfall on Monday, the Take-It-Back Movement protested at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan. They demanded urgent action regarding worsening insecurity and the abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area. The demonstrators marched from Mokola Roundabout, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with messages such as “Security for all, not for a few” and “End kidnapping in Oyo State now.” The protest highlights growing public anger following recent incidents where armed individuals invaded schools and abducted victims in Oriire Local Government Area communities.
The Nigeria national football team's 2018 World Cup away kit has been ranked among the most iconic jerseys in FIFA World Cup history, according to a BBC Sport report. Worn during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the Nike-produced jersey gained significant attention for its green-and-white geometric pattern, inspired by Nigeria's 1994 football legacy. The report also listed other iconic kits, including Cameroon's 2002 home kit, England's 1966 away kit, France's 1982 home kit, the Netherlands' 1974 home kit, Croatia's 1998 home kit, Nigeria's 2018 home kit, Brazil's 1970 home kit, USA's 1994 away kit, Argentina's 1986 away kit, and West Germany's 1990 home kit.