U.S. boosts non-lethal aid to moderate Syrian oppositionMarch 13, 2015 - 20:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Obama administration is boosting non-lethal assistance to moderate Syrian opposition groups, the Associated Press reports. In an announcement coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the start of the conflict, the State Department said Friday, March 13, the U.S. would provide an additional $70 million in aid to opposition groups. That amount includes $25 million for vetted members of the armed opposition to enhance their ability to defend themselves. The department did elaborate on the exact nature of that support, which in the past has included vehicles, medical kits and food. Another $30 million will go to local authorities in rebel-held areas. The rest is for training to secure communications and collect evidence of possible war crimes. The new aid brings to nearly $400 million the amount the U.S. has given the opposition since 2011. 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 | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |