Syria's chemical weapons equipment reportedly destroyedOctober 31, 2013 - 13:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syria's declared equipment for producing, mixing and filling chemical weapons has been destroyed, sources with the international watchdog say, according to BBC News. An announcement by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is expected later - a day before its deadline which Syria had to meet. Inspectors were sent to Syria following allegations that government forces had used chemical weapons in civilian areas, killing scores of people. The government denies the accusations. The inspections were agreed between Russia and the U.S. after Washington threatened to use force in Syria. The U.S. says more than 1,400 people were killed during a nerve agent attack in Ghouta on the outskirts of Damascus on August 21. Syria and Russia believe rebel groups were responsible for the attack. Syria's chemical weapons arsenal is believed to include more than 1,000 tons of the nerve gas sarin, the blister agent sulphur mustard and other banned chemicals, stored at dozens of sites. It has until mid-2014 to destroy its chemical weapons stockpile. Related links: 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. |