Top Syrian official from Assad’s inner circle flees to Turkey July 6, 2012 - 16:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A member of Syrian president Bashar Assad's inner circle has defected, a western official has revealed. Sources said Brigadier General Manaf Tlass, a member of the elite Republican Guards and the son of a former defense minister, has abandoned the regime, Belfast Telegraph said. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and other opposition websites claim Brig Gen Tlaas fled to Turkey. The defection is a fresh blow to Mr Assad just as the US and its European partners threaten new sanctions, while the opposition urges military intervention. Brig Gen Tlass's departure comes as around diplomats meet in Paris at a so-called Friends of Syria conference, aimed at bolstering the Syrian resistance and pressing Syria's allies to discuss transition strategies after 16 months of brutal crackdowns and civil war. The US and its European partners are threatening new sanctions on Mr Assad's regime if he does not act on a new peace plan, but the fractured Syrian opposition is seeking quick military actions instead.   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 Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals  Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation.Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush.Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year.Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |
