 Washington expelling top Syrian diplomat over Houla massacre May 29, 2012 - 21:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Obama administration is expelling the top Syrian diplomat in Washington in response to Friday’s reported massacre of 108 people, including 49 children, in the village of Houla, The Washington Times reported. U.S. officials told Syrian Charge d’Affaires Zuheir Jabbour on Tuesday morning that he has 72 hours to leave the country. The decision to kick out the Syrian envoy was part of an international protest. Seven other Western countries — Canada, Australia, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany — also said they would expel Syrian diplomatic officials. Over the weekend, U.N. observers confirmed the deaths in Houla after an assault involving tanks and artillery. There are also reports that many families were summarily executed in their homes. President Obama is backing a plan by peace envoy Kofi Annan, the former UN. secretary-general, to end the 14-month-old uprising against Syrian President Bashar Assad, but it’s been six weeks since Mr. Assad and the rebels signed the agreement, and the bloodshed has not slowed.   Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia  Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28.Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia.Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports.Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |
