Senate panel approves Kerry's Secretary of State nominationJanuary 29, 2013 - 20:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. Senate foreign relations committee has unanimously approved Senator John Kerry's nomination to be secretary of state, BBC News reported. The full Senate is expected to confirm his nomination later on Tuesday, January 29. President Barack Obama chose the Massachusetts Democrat to succeed Hillary Clinton, who is stepping down after four years, as his top diplomat. A Vietnam veteran and senator since 1985, Sen Kerry was the Democratic presidential candidate in 2004. He first came to national attention as part of his involvement with Vietnam Veterans Against the War. Sen Kerry's nomination is part of Mr Obama's second-term cabinet reshuffle. Former Senator Chuck Hagel, Mr Obama's pick for secretary of defense, will face a confirmation hearing later this week. 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. |