  Expert says Syria will become Russia’s “last battle” August 14, 2012 - 13:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syria will become Russia’s “last battle” for maintenance of its presence in the Middle East, Armenian political expert said. “A Russia – China – Iran coalition has been formed, that backs Syrian leader Bashar Assad,”Levon Shirinyan told a press conference. More than 17,000 people have been killed in Syria since the outbreak of protests against President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011, according to UN estimates. More than 150,000 Syrian refugees have officially registered in four neighboring countries – Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey, while officials acknowledge that the real number of refugees is likely to exceed 200,000. Partner news  Top stories At the meeting, the parties focused on the prospects of bilateral relations, and cooperation in the framework of international organizations. Dwelling on the hike in gas prices, Iskandaryan said the change also affected other countries importing Russian gas. Armen Martirosyan noted that the price rise will further deteriorate the situation in the country, fostering emigration. In this connection, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian left for Strasbourg to attend CoE foreign ministers meeting.   Partner news |  Latest news Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer in "The Lone Ranger" action-packed trailer (video)  Bing bang booms and Old West villains galore fill the latest look at Hammer rising from the dead to ride alongside Depp as Tonto.“Man Of Steel” Superman reboot unveils final trailer (video) Legendary’s film is directed by Zack Snyder and starring Henry Cavill in the cape, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, and Michael Shannon as Zod.10 killed in sectarian violence in Lebanese city Lebanese army troops were seen patrolling major roads in Bab al-Tabbana hours before the fresh fighting broke out.Turkish-Armenian writer sentenced to 13 months in prison Last month, renowned Turkish pianist Fazıl Say was also handed a suspended 10-month prison sentence for blasphemy. |
