Militants threaten workers building security wall in Egypt's SinaiMarch 28, 2014 - 12:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A militant group based in Egypt's Sinai is threatening workers and contractors building a security wall around a volatile town in the northern part of the peninsula, the Associated Press reports. The al Qaida-inspired Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, or Champions of Jerusalem, said in an Internet statement late Thursday, March 27, that the barrier seeks to isolate the town of el-Arish as part of a "repressive siege" by the authorities. The group has claimed responsibility for many attacks on Egyptian targets in Sinai and on the mainland, including in Cairo, and has also fired rockets at Israel. Authorities in el-Arish earlier this month started work on the barrier, which will be equipped with surveillance cameras and electronic devices to prevent attacks. Egypt has seen a surge in attacks since the ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi last July. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |