Emir of Qatar calls for Arab military intervention in SyriaSeptember 25, 2012 - 22:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The emir of Qatar, a key backer of the Syrian opposition, on Tuesday, Sept 25, called for an Arab military intervention in Syria to halt the conflict, AFP reports. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani told the UN General Assembly: “It is better for Arab countries themselves to intervene out of their humanitarian, political and military duties and do what is necessary to stop the bloodshed.” The emir cited the precedent of an Arab intervention force sent to Lebanon in 1976 in a bid to halt that country’s civil war. He said it was “a step that proved to be effective and useful.” The Qatar leader is a fierce critic of President Bashar al-Assad whose government has accused Qatar and Saudi Arabia of arming Syrian rebels. Mr. Al-Thani said the 18-month old Syrian conflict “has reached an unacceptable phase” with a government “that does not hesitate to use all sorts of weapons against its people.” He said intervention was needed because all efforts to “get Syria out of the cycle of killing” had been in vain and the UN Security Council has “failed” to take a stand. 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |