Kerry’s statement marks change of U.S. stance on Assad’s ousterSeptember 30, 2015 - 12:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday, September 29, called Russian President Vladimir Putin's involvement in Syria a possible "opportunity" for the United States, CNN reports. Kerry predicted, in an interview with CNN, that Russia's presence in Syria means Moscow could find itself in a "complicated" situation that could affect its policy toward the war-torn country and its leader, President Bashar al-Assad. "If he's going to side with Assad and with Iran and Hezbollah, he's going to have a very serious problem with the Sunni countries in the region," Kerry said of Putin. "That means he ... could very well become a target for those Sunni jihadists." Kerry also said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must leave as part of an "orderly transition," rather than calling for his immediate ouster, marking a change in the U.S. position. He added that if Assad left more quickly, it could lead to an "implosion" that would strip the country of any civil life. "We need to have an orderly transition, a managed transition, so that you don't have a fear for retribution, loss of life, revenge," Kerry said, urging a leadership change over a "reasonable period of time" but declining to be more specific. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |