Iranian, U.S. negotiators resume nuclear talksMarch 4, 2015 - 15:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Undeterred by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scathing speech against an Iran nuclear deal, U.S. and Iranian negotiators resumed work Wednesday, March 4, on an agreement meant to crimp Iran's atomic program in exchange for sanctions relief, the Associated Press reports. With an end-of-month deadline looming to complete a framework accord, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif sat down in the Swiss resort of Montreux for their third meeting this week to hash out details of an emerging pact. On Tuesday in Washington, Netanyahu told Congress that the agreement taking shape is dangerous and would allow Iran the ability to develop nuclear weapons. His speech drew standing ovations, mostly from Republican legislators. But U.S. officials led by President Barack Obama criticized Netanyahu for not presenting any viable alternative to preventing Iran from getting the bomb. Iran, meanwhile, decried pushback from Obama meant to deflect Netanyahu criticism. Obama this week said that Iran would have to suspend its nuclear activities for at least a decade as part of any final agreement. Zarif, in a statement quoted by Iran's official news agency IRNA, said Obama's remarks were "unacceptable and threatening," aimed at attracting U.S. public opinion while reacting to Netanyahu "and other extremist opponents of the talks." The U.S., Iran and other world powers are racing to meet the end-of-March target to reach the outline of deal, with a July deadline for a final agreement. Related links: Related issues: 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |