Nations face severe Syria crisis, Annan warnsJune 30, 2012 - 16:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syria envoy Kofi Annan has warned that if nations trying to end the country's violence fail to act they face an international crisis of "grave severity." He said history "will judge us all harshly if we prove incapable of taking the right path today." The talks hosted by the United Nations at its European headquarters in Geneva on Saturday, June 30, are seen as a last-ditch attempt to salvage Annan's peace plan. Russia's determination to preserve its last remaining ally in the Middle East has collided head-on with U.S. and other Western powers' desire to replace Assad with a democracy. Diplomats are growing pessimistic that the UN-brokered conference can bridge the Russia-U.S. divide. "By being here today, you suggest intention to show leadership, but can you follow through?" Annan said, according to the Associated Press. 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |