Iraqi PM, allies gathering to re-examine strategy against IS June 2, 2015 - 11:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraq's Prime Minister and international allies are gathering in Paris to re-examine their strategy against Islamic State extremists, after the group's recent gains, the Associated Press reports. The coalition, which includes the United States and France but not Russia, Iran or Syria, is meeting Tuesday, June 2, after extremists conquered both the Iraqi city of Ramadi and the historic Syrian city of Palmyra. More than 4,100 airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition have failed to stem gains by Islamic State radicals. France's foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, said airstrikes can only be effective if all Iraqis believe "the government is inclusive." The Obama administration is similarly impatient with what many critics see as the Shiite-led government's corruption and sectarianism. However, no sharp change in strategy is expected to be announced at Tuesday's meeting.  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 |  Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
