Muslim cleric shot dead in North OssetiaDecember 27, 2012 - 13:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A deputy mufti in North Ossetia was shot dead overnight, AFP reported on December 27 citing RIA Novosti. "He was killed by five shots at point-blank range," the report quoted the office of North Ossetian Mufti Khajimurat Gatsalov as saying. The murder took place on the road to the regional capital Vladikavkaz, according to the committee of enquiry in the small republic bordering Chechnya. North Ossetia has a history of ethnic strife between the majority mostly Orthodox Christian Ossetians and the Muslim Ingush minority. The picturesque region was the scene of the notorious Beslan hostage-taking in September 2004, during which Chechen rebels held some 1,200 children, teachers and parents at a school for nearly three days. The siege ended in a massive shoot-out with Russian forces that killed more than 330 people, more than half of them children. North Ossetia's neighbouring regions in the North Caucasus see near daily attacks that officials blame on militants seeking to establish an Islamic state across the region. 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 | U.S. welcomes Armenia, Azerbaijan’s border delimitation announcement Blinken said it is an important step towards concluding a durable and dignified peace agreement. Residents Of border villages protest as Armenia, Azerbaijan agree on delimitation Residents of several Armenian communities in the northeastern Tavush province began protests late on Friday. Up to 10% cashback from GetTransfer with IDBank cards IDBank clients who make their booking on GetTransfer will receive an exclusive cashback. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. |