Assad says confident of support from Iran, RussiaAugust 26, 2015 - 12:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, has said he is confident he has the continuing support of key allies Iran and Russia, BBC News reports. A fresh push is under way to resolve Syria's four-year conflict, leading to speculation Assad could be forced out to reach a settlement. But Assad said Russia and Iran did not abandon their friends. Meanwhile France insists that the "neutralization" of the Syrian leader was essential to ending the crisis. French President Francois Hollande said: "We must reduce the terrorist influence without maintaining Assad. The two are bound up together." Iran and Russia though have maintained he needs to be part of a political solution. Assad, speaking to Al-Manar, a Lebanese TV station run by his Hezbollah allies, said there was no imminent breakthrough in sight. 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. |