Middle East to dominate UN General Assembly agendaSeptember 25, 2012 - 13:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - World leaders are gathering in New York for a UN General Assembly likely to be dominated by Syria, although it is not formally on the agenda, BBC News reports. Discussions are also expected to centre on Iran's nuclear program and the video that has prompted anti-U.S. protests across the Muslim world. U.S. President Barack Obama is due to focus on the Middle East when he gives one of the opening speeches on Tuesday, Sept 25. His address comes six weeks before the presidential election. But it is not to be seen as a campaign speech, according to White House spokesman Jay Carney. "I would expect the president to address the recent unrest in the Muslim world and the broader context of the democratic transitions of the Arab World." Syria's 18-month conflict is not formally on the UN General Assembly's agenda but it is likely to be addressed by several speakers on the opening day, including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, French President Francois Hollande and Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. |