UK suspends aid to Rwanda amid DRC concernsNovember 30, 2012 - 20:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The UK has suspended aid to Rwanda, amid concerns about the country's role in the conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo, BBC News reported. Ministers said the UK would not now release a payment worth £21m. An aid payment of £16m was paid to Rwanda in September despite question marks over its alleged support for the M23 militia in DR Congo. The government also said it would give a further £18m for immediate humanitarian needs in the DR Congo. International Development Secretary Justine Greening said £21m, which was due to be handed over to Rwanda next month, would not be released because President Paul Kagame's regime had breached agreements. The International Development Committee of the House of Commons (IDC) welcomed Ms Greening's announcement but said the UK should continue to provide to Rwanda's poor "via other means". 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 | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |