UNESCO says 30 percent of Aleppo's ancient city totally destroyedJanuary 20, 2017 - 16:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - UNESCO says about a third of the ancient city of Aleppo has been destroyed during the war in Syria, The Associated Press reports. The United Nations cultural organization conducted an emergency mission in Aleppo from between Monday and Thursday (Jan. 16-19) this week to assess damage at the World Heritage Site and reported "extensive damage" at the Great Umayyad Mosque, the Citadel and other historic buildings. UNESCO said in a statement that "60 percent of the old city of Aleppo has been severely damaged, with 30 percent totally destroyed." UNESCO envoys also met with Aleppo council members and non-governmental organizations and proposed that the ancient city should be declared an "emergency zone." Pro-government forces recaptured Aleppo in December, ending rebels' four-year hold on parts of Syria's once largest and most important city. 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. |