UN to announce date of new Syria talks: envoyFebruary 25, 2016 - 17:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United Nations will name a date on Friday, February 26 for Syria's warring parties to return to the negotiating table for a second round of talks, UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said on Thursday, according to Reuters. De Mistura abruptly aborted a first round of talks on February 3, saying more preparatory work was needed from the "International Syria Support Group" (ISSG), led by the United States and Russia. Since then Syrian government forces, backed by Russia and Iran, have continued a major offensive against rebels around the city of Aleppo, and President Bashar al-Assad's government and the opposition have both said they could support a U.S.-Russian proposal for a "cessation of hostilities." De Mistura said he would brief the UN Security Council on Friday and then announce a date for a new round of talks, but he declined to comment further. "I will announce tomorrow when the parties (will reconvene) and the new talks (will happen)," he told reporters, as he arrived for a meeting of the ISSG task force on humanitarian access. Another ISSG task force, on ceasefires, will convene for the first time in Geneva on Friday, De Mistura said - an opportunity for diplomats from ISSG countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran to say whether they endorse the U.S.-Russian proposal, Reuters says. 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. |