Israel cutting another $2 million from its UN fundingMarch 30, 2017 - 10:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel said on Wednesday, March 29 it would cut a further $2 million from its already reduced contribution this year to the United Nations in protest at resolutions taken against it at the world body's various forums, Reuters reports. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also holds the post of foreign minister, instructed the ministry to cut the funds and use the money as aid for developing countries who support Israel at international organizations. It is the second such cut this year after Israel said in January it was reducing its contribution by $6 million. Wednesday's further cut means that of its planned commitment of $11.7 million for 2017 Israel will pay the UN only $3.7 million, the foreign ministry said. The decision was made because of the "hostile resolutions adopted a few days ago by the UN's Human Rights Council," part of the Foreign Ministry's statement said. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration said it was reviewing its participation in the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council, seeking reform of its agenda and an end to its "obsession with Israel". "This move is part of Israel's drive with its friends, led by the United States, to repair the obsessive anti-Israel bias at the United Nations and its agencies," the statement added. 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 | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |