Rebels seize CAR capital, force president to fleeMarch 25, 2013 - 11:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Rebels in Central African Republic seized the riverside capital Bangui in fierce fighting on Sunday, March 24, forcing President Francois Bozize to flee and sowing confusion over who rules the mineral-rich heart of Africa, Reuters reported. At least nine South African soldiers were killed trying to prevent the rebels from taking Bangui, a Reuters witness said, dealing a blow to Pretoria's attempt to stabilize the chaotic central African nation and assert its influence in the region. The Seleka rebel coalition resumed hostilities on Thursday in the former French colony and quickly swept south to Bangui with the aim of ousting Bozize, whom it accused of breaking a January peace deal to integrate its fighters into the army. "We have taken the presidential palace," Eric Massi, a Seleka spokesman, told Reuters by telephone early on Sunday. Government officials confirmed the rebels had captured the city of more than 600,000 people, which lies on the banks of the Oubangi river bordering Democratic Republic of Congo. Seleka leader Michel Djotodia, named as deputy prime minister after January's peace deal, proclaimed himself interim president on Sunday, the movement's Secretary-General Justin Kombo told Reuters. France's RFI radio said Djotodia had asked Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye to lead a government to the next elections, scheduled for three years' time. He also imposed a curfew in Bangui, where residents reported widespread pillaging. France, which already had 250 soldiers in Central African Republic, has sent another 300 troops from Gabon since Friday to ensure the security of French citizens and diplomatic installations in Bangui, according to the defense ministry. 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. |