Syria says chemical weapons for foreign attack onlyJuly 23, 2012 - 15:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi says the country's chemical weapons stocks are secure and would only be used in the case of a foreign attack. There has been widespread concern that Syria's stocks of chemical weapons could fall into the hands of the rebels fighting the government, some of whom are believed to have links to al-Qaida. There was also concern the weapons might be used to defend the regime. Makdissi said in a news conference Monday, July 23 broadcast on state television that the weapons are under the protection of the Syrian army and “would never be used inside Syria”, The Associated Press reported. 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 | 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. |