Iraq's fugitive VP rejects death sentence, declares innocenceSeptember 10, 2012 - 19:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraq's fugitive vice president has declared his "absolute innocence" and rejected the terror trial that sentenced him to death on charges of masterminding the murder of rivals, Belfast Telegraph said. Tariq al-Hashemi, a Sunni, who fled Iraq after the government brought the charges against him, called the trial illegitimate and accused prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite and long-time foe, of orchestrating it as part of a political vendetta. "The verdict is unjust, politicised, illegitimate and I will not recognise it," Mr al-Hashemi said in the Turkish capital of Ankara. "But I put it as a medal of honour on my chest because it was al-Maliki, not anyone else, behind it. I'm proud that it is al-Maliki, and not anyone else, to target me." "The death sentence is a price I have to pay due to my love for my country and my loyalty to my people," he added. "I reiterate that I'm innocent, and am ready to stand before a fair judicial system and not a corrupt one that is under al-Maliki's influence." Mr Al-Hashemi fled to Turkey after Iraq's Shiite-led government issued the terror charges against him in December, the day after US troops withdrew from the country. He would receive a retrial if he agrees to return to Baghdad, but he says he will never get a fair hearing in a Baghdad court. The politically charged case sparked a government crisis and fuelled Sunni Muslim and Kurdish resentment against Mr al-Maliki, whom critics say is monopolising power. 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 | 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. |