Boston to mark bombings anniversaryApril 15, 2014 - 09:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Memorial ceremonies are due to be held in the U.S. city of Boston to mark Tuesday, April 15, the anniversary of the deadly bombing at last year's marathon, BBC News reports. U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick will attend a tribute at the Hynes Convention Center at midday (16:00GMT). A flag-raising ceremony and silence will later be held at the finish line. Three people were killed and some 264 injured when two bombs exploded near the finish line at last year's race. Tuesday's ceremonies will include representatives from families of the victims as well as members of the emergency services, government agencies and civic organizations. This year's Boston Marathon is due to take place on April 21. Officials have told residents and visitors to expect a larger than normal police presence through the week leading up to the event. However, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh - who will also attend Tuesday's ceremonies - said it would be "the Boston Marathon as it has always been". "Our goal is for everyone to enjoy the race," he said. City health officials say they have also made preparations to help those affected by the bombings cope with the anniversary. "The first anniversary of a disaster is always difficult," said Barbara Ferrer, director of the Boston public health commission. Bombing suspect Dzokhar Tsarnaev, 20, is due to stand trial in November. He has pleaded not guilty to 30 charges, of which 17 carry the possibility of capital punishment. Prosecutors allege that he set off two pressure cooker bombs with his older brother Tamerlan, who later died in a police shoot-out. 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 | 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. |