 Obama to announce 34,000-strong Afghan troop cut February 12, 2013 - 18:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - President Barack Obama will announce in his State of the Union speech later 34,000 U.S. troops will leave Afghanistan over the next year, U.S. media say, according to BBC News. The move would effectively cut in half the current U.S. troop level in the country from about 66,000. The U.S. will end combat operations in Afghanistan by the end of 2014, but it is unclear how large of a residual training force will remain behind. Obama could also use his speech to address post-2014 troop levels.   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 |
