UN chief, Russian Foreign Minister discuss Syrian crisisAugust 9, 2013 - 08:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has discussed the escalating humanitarian crisis and increasing sectarian violence in Syria with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said the UN chief underscored the need to find a political solution to the 2 1/2-year Syria conflict and to urgently renew momentum for a new Geneva conference to try to get the government and opposition to agree on a transitional government. He said the secretary-general told Lavrov at a working dinner Thursday, Aug 8 that the UN would do "its utmost" to support Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. They also discussed Lebanon, Afghanistan, the broader Middle East and North Africa, he said. The Syrian crisis is also likely to highlight Lavrov's meeting in Washington Friday with Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. 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. |