France to host security summit on Boko Haram threatMay 17, 2014 - 09:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - France is to host a security summit on the threat from Boko Haram Islamists, after they abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria in April, BBC News reported. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and other West African leaders will attend the talks in Paris. On Friday, May 16, Jonathan was due to visit the north-eastern town of Chibok, where the girls were seized, but called it off for security reasons. He has ruled out negotiations over their possible release, reports say. On Thursday, relatives of the girls called for their unconditional release by Boko Haram. This came three days after Boko Haram released a video showing more than 100 of the girls and offering an exchange for prisoners. French President Francois Hollande is expected to open the summit later on Saturday. The leaders of Nigeria's neighbors - Benin, Cameroon, Niger and Chad - are scheduled to attend the talks, which will also include representatives from the UK, U.S. and EU. A statement said delegates at the meeting will "discuss fresh strategies for dealing with the security threat posed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in West and Central Africa". Hollande on Friday discussed the issue in a phone call with U.S. President Barack Obama. The safe return of the 223 girls was now one of America's main priorities, with U.S. specialist teams and drones being involved in the rescue operation, the White House said. France is also providing Nigeria with expert assistance to help release the girls. U.S. officials have criticized the speed of Nigeria's response to the threat from Boko Haram. 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. |