Russia, U.S. agree on Syria chemical weapon attacks draft resolutionAugust 6, 2015 - 10:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States and Russia have reached agreement on a draft UN resolution aimed at identifying those behind chemical weapons attacks in Syria in order to bring them to justice, a U.S. official said on Thursday, Aug 6, according to Reuters. The United Nations Security Council is likely to vote on Friday on a U.S. proposal to ask UN chief Ban Ki-moon and the global chemical weapons watchdog to assemble a team of investigators to lay blame for toxic gas attacks in Syria, diplomats said. Attributing responsibility for chemical weapons attacks would pave the way for action by the 15-member Security Council. The body has already threatened consequences for such attacks, which could include sanctions. A U.S. official, who did not want to be identified, said an agreement had been reached on the draft between the United States and Russia. Officials say the agreement was finalized during talks in Malaysia on Wednesday between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. Russia - which has veto power on the UN council - is a Syrian ally and has protected President Bashar al-Assad's government from any UN action during the four-year civil war. The United States began discussing the draft resolution with Russia several months ago. Several diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that if no objections to the draft were raised by any council members by Thursday morning, then a vote would likely be scheduled for Friday. 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 | U.S. welcomes Armenia, Azerbaijan’s border delimitation announcement Blinken said it is an important step towards concluding a durable and dignified peace agreement. Residents Of border villages protest as Armenia, Azerbaijan agree on delimitation Residents of several Armenian communities in the northeastern Tavush province began protests late on Friday. Up to 10% cashback from GetTransfer with IDBank cards IDBank clients who make their booking on GetTransfer will receive an exclusive cashback. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. |