Vatican confirms dates for Pope’s second trip to AsiaJuly 29, 2014 - 15:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Vatican has confirmed the dates for Pope Francis' second trip to Asia, a weeklong visit Jan 12-19 to Sri Lanka and the Philippines, according to the Associated Press. Francis had already announced his intention to visit Sri Lanka and meet with victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which killed some 6,300 people, left another 1,060 missing and devastated parts of the central Philippines last year. The Vatican press office said Tuesday, July 29, that Francis would visit Sri Lanka Jan. 12-15, and spend the remainder of the trip in the Philippines. The full program will be released later. Francis will become the first pope in nearly two decades to visit the Far East when he travels to South Korea Aug 14-18. He has said he wants to visit Asia since Pope Benedict XVI never got there. 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 | Fly Arna license suspended, says Armenia official The license of the Armenian airline Fly Arna has been suspended for six months, an official says. President stresses Armenia’s clear position to achieve peace On the eve of the International Francophonie Day, the Armenian President met with French intellectuals. Termination of servicing of MIR cards. IDBank It will not be possible to ensure the full operation of MIR cards in IDBank’s POS-terminals and ATMs Pashinian meets border villagers on possible land transfer to Azerbaijan Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with concerned residents of two villages in Armenia’s northern Tavush province. |