Syria "ready for war with Israel over Golan Heights region"March 11, 2019 - 10:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad has told the head of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), Christine Lund, that Syria is prepared for a showdown with Israel over the Golan Heights region, Al-Masdar News reports. Mikdad warned Lund that Syria will respond with force if Israel continues to attack the country, as well as if the U.S. recognizes Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights. “Syria will attack Israel if it does not leave the Golan Heights,” Mikdad told Lund, as quoted by World Israel News. “We will not hesitate to confront Israel,” Mekdad said. “We are also not scared away by its [Israel’s] supporters who are helping to perpetuate the occupation of the Golan,” he added. Mikdad’s comments were in response to a new bill that was presented by Republican Senators Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton, along with Democratic Party Representative Mike Gallagher, in regards to the U.S.’ recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights region. The bill has already received preliminary support from the leader of the majority in the House of Representatives of the US Congress, Democrat Congressman Steny Hoyer. 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 | 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. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |