Israel says agreement reached to stop rolling blackouts in West BankApril 6, 2016 - 19:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israeli and Palestinian officials reached an agreement on Wednesday, April 6 to stop several days of rolling blackouts in the occupied West Bank over what Israel says is some $450 million in debt, AFP reports. Under the agreement, the Palestinian Authority would make an immediate payment of 20 million shekels ($5.2 million, 4.6 million euros) and engage in negotiations on the remainder, the state-run Israel Electricity Corporation said in a statement. The company said it could reinstate the power cuts if a wider agreement is not reached within a week. Palestinian officials did not immediately comment on the deal. The Palestinian Authority is struggling financially and depends largely on foreign aid. Its economy has faltered in part due to Israeli restrictions in the West Bank. It relies heavily on Israel for electricity supplies. The IEC has since March 31 reduced power supply for hours at a time to Jericho, Bethlehem and Hebron, causing blackouts that Palestinian officials said threatened to cause further economic damage. Photo: Menahem Kahana/ AFP/ Getty Images 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. |