UN invites Syria's govt., opposition for talks in GenevaApril 24, 2015 - 14:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - United Nations Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura has invited Syria's government and opposition groups for separate talks in Geneva next month in the latest bid to end the four-year-old civil war, a UN spokesman said on Friday, April 24, according to Reuters. De Mistura, who is due to brief the UN Security Council later on Friday, plans for individual "low-key" talks with each of the main stakeholders over four to six weeks in the Swiss city, Ahmad Fawzi told a news briefing. Major powers and regional players have been invited, but not Islamic State or Jabhat al-Nusra, which are classified as "terrorist organizations", he said. Some of those present at the talks would be able to communicate with them, he added. Syria's ally Iran is among those invited, he told Reuters. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |