Kerry defends decision to work with new Palestinian unity govt.June 4, 2014 - 20:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has defended Washington's decision to work with a new Palestinian unity government, saying none of its ministers has ties to the Islamic militant group Hamas, the Associated Press reported. Israel wants the West to shun the technocrat government backed by rivals Hamas and Fatah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is troubled by the U.S. decision not to cut ties. Hamas is blacklisted as a terror organization by the West. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of Fatah, has said the new Cabinet will follow his Western-backed policies. Kerry said during a visit to Lebanon on Wednesday, June 4 that the Cabinet "does not include any ministers that are affiliated with Hamas," adding that "we will work with it as ... is appropriate." Photo: AP 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |