U.S. calls on Iran, Saudi leaders to defuse diplomatic rowJanuary 6, 2016 - 13:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has repeatedly called leaders in Saudi Arabia and Iran to try to defuse their diplomatic row, U.S. officials say, according to BBC News. State department spokesman John Kirby said the phone conversations involved foreign ministers of both countries and the Saudi deputy crown prince. Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran on Sunday, January 3 after protesters ransacked the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Protests erupted after Saudi Arabia executed a senior Shia Muslim cleric. Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran are major rivals in the Middle East and back opposing sides in the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. In his calls, Kerry stressed the importance of pushing forward on a peace deal for Syria, Kirby told a news conference. "One of the key things on his mind is de-escalate the tensions, restore some sense of calm, encourage dialogue and engagement between these countries, but also to make the point there are other pressing issues in the region," Mr Kirby said. "Not letting the Vienna process [on Syrian peace talks] stall or fall backward is clearly top on his list," he said. Related links: 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. |