Bahrain bans protest gatherings amid escalating clashesOctober 30, 2012 - 11:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Bahrain says it is banning all protest gatherings amid escalating clashes in the strategic Gulf kingdom that hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, The Associated Press reports. The decision re-imposes state of emergency-style rules in the Sunni-ruled nation, whose Shiite majority launched an uprising over 20 months ago, aiming to win a greater political voice. The announcement by the Interior Ministry did not specify what actions could be taken against fresh protests, but suggests Shiite political groups could be held responsible with possible arrests or formal closures of their offices. Bahrain's monarchy has permitted limited protests and marches, but much of the violence occurs outside authorized gatherings. Emergency rules including curfews and special military tribunals had been enacted for several months during the early stages of the uprising, which has left over 50 dead. 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. |