French photographer escapes captivity in AfghanistanApril 8, 2013 - 17:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A French photographer escaped captivity in Afghanistan on Monday, April 8 more than three months after being taken hostage, the Interior Ministry said, according to Reuters Four armed men snatched freelancer Pierre Borghi from a busy area of the capital, Kabul, in November, ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said. Sediqqi said Borghi had run away from his captors in Wardak province, near Kabul, and then been picked up by Afghan security forces and taken to the capital. Kidnappings are on the rise in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan. Experts say militants are using them to raise funds after cash from al Qaeda dried up. It was not clear who was responsible for Borghi's kidnapping. Criminal gangs frequently carry out the initial attack then sell victims on to militant groups. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |