Syrian army general reportedly defects to oppositionMarch 17, 2013 - 14:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A Syrian army general has reportedly defected to the opposition, saying that morale in the army had collapsed, according to BBC News. A man identified by opposition activists as General Mohammed Ezz al-Din Khalouf announced his defection in a video shown on al-Arabiya TV. He is said to have reached safety in neighboring Jordan. There was no comment from the Syrian government. New York-based group Human Rights Watch has again accused the government of using cluster bombs against civilians. An estimated 70,000 people have been killed and one million have fled Syria since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began two years ago. Gen Khalouf, identified variously as a brigadier-general and a major-general, was shown sitting beside his son, said to be an army captain. "It is not possible for anyone to accept any of the ideas of this regime unless they have achieved special interests," he said. Seif al-Hourani, an activist from a rebel group which reportedly helped the man and his family out of the country, told AP news agency via Skype that the escape had been planned for months. Six days ago, rebels smuggled the general, his wife, and three of their children out of Damascus and they crossed into Jordan on Friday, he said. If confirmed, it would be one of the most senior defections since the start of the conflict. Cluster bombs open in flight, scattering smaller bomblets. They pose a threat to civilians long after they are dropped as many do not explode immediately. Most countries have banned their use. "Syria is expanding its relentless use of cluster munitions, a banned weapon, and civilians are paying the price with their lives and limbs," Human Rights Watch said in a report, which documented 150 attacks over six months. In October, the Syrian army denied it was using cluster bombs in its battle with rebels. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |