Islamic leader calls for sharing religious donations for quake reliefNovember 14, 2017 - 18:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraqi Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani expressed his condolences over the deadly earthquake in Iran, calling his followers to allocate parts of religious donations regularly paid to help victims of the Sunday, November 12 night earthquake in western Iran, IRNA reports. Shia Muslims regularly pay Khums, a type of tax in the Islamic tradition which is collected by religious authorities. The Office of Ayatollah Sistani in a statement announced that he sympathizes with the bereaved families and victims affected by the quake in western Iran and pray for the injured to recover soon. The followers of Ayatollah Sistani can allocate part of the required religious obligation to earthquake relief aid, the statement said. More than 530 people have been killed and thousands more injured following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake which jolted western Iran on Sunday evening. 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 | 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. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. |