Donetsk sets ultimatum to Kyiv military to withdraw within 24 hoursMay 15, 2014 - 18:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Donetsk self-defense forces set an ultimatum for the Kyiv military, warning that if troops do not withdraw from block posts in the Donetsk region within 24 hours, they will be taken by force, RT reported citing RIA Novosti. The pro-autonomy militia of Donbass region in eastern Ukraine made the statement on Wednesday, May 14. "If the armored vehicles are not pulled back, the roadblocks of the so-called legitimate authorities are not removed, I will have enough power and means – the commander supported me today – to destroy and burn everything. Reconnaissance and sabotage groups are ready to move and some are steady,” deputy commander of the pro-autonomy militia of Donbass, Sergey Zdrilyuk, told RIA Novosti. “I give 24 hours for them to withdraw all troops, all forces,” he added. The statement follows referendums in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which showed that the majority of voters support self-rule amid an intensified military operation by Kyiv. Almost 90 percent of voters in Donetsk region have endorsed political independence from Kyiv, the head of the Central Election Commission of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, Roman Lyagin, previously announced. In Luhansk region, 96.2 percent of voters supported the region’s self-rule, according to final figures announced by the local election commission. After the referendum, the Donetsk People's Republic proclaimed itself a sovereign state and asked Moscow to consider its accession into Russia. Photo: RIA Novosti / Mikhail Voskresenskiy 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. |