At least 600 Algerian hostages released - report January 17, 2013 - 21:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 600 Algerian hostages have been released at a gas facility in eastern Algeria, where foreign and local hostages were being held, foreign media reported citing Algeria’s state news agency. It also mentioned 4 foreigners, including 2 Britons, 1 French and 1 Kenyan, who were freed by soldiers on Thursday, January 17. Earlier, the militants said that they were holding 40 foreign nationals, among them US, French, British, Japanese, Norwegian and Malaysian citizens. Terrorists, who are believed to have links with al-Qaeda, called for an end to the ongoing French military intervention against Islamist rebels in neighboring Mali.   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 |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
