Russia says it doesn’t send chemical weapons to SyriaAugust 21, 2012 - 14:10 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syria has no Russian-made chemical weapons stockpile, Deputy Director of the Federal Agency for Safe Storage and Destruction of Chemical Weapons Col. Vladimir Mandych said on Tuesday, Aug 21. “Syria is one of the countries that did not sign the chemical weapons convention… As far as I know, no Russian-made chemical weapons have ever been supplied to Syria,” Mandych told journalists, according to RIA Novosti. U.S. President Barack Obama said on Monday Syria’s chemical weapons would be a “red line” that would change Washington’s stance on a foreign military intervention into the Syrian conflict. He said that "at this point” he had “not ordered military engagement." The Syrian Foreign Ministry said in late July that Syria may use chemical weapons against external aggression as the West pushes for a possible military intervention in the country torn by violent clashes between troops loyal to President Bashar Al-Assad and opposition forces. The Syrian stockpiles of chemical weapons are believed to consist mostly of large amounts of Sarin, in addition to tabun (nerve agents) and mustard gas, and the country is reportedly producing and preparing VX for weapons. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |