Wave of protest spreads over to LybiaFebruary 16, 2011 - 13:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Hundreds of Libyan protesters have taken to the streets of the country's second-largest city to demand the government's ouster in the first sign that the region's unrest has spread to the North African Arab nation. Witnesses say protesters in the port city of Benghazi chanted slogans Feb 16 demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Baghdadi Mahmoudi. There were no calls, however, for longtime leader Mummar Gaddafi to step down. As in the Egyptian and Tunisian uprisings, Libyans are using social networking websites like Facebook to call for a day of protests on Feb 17, AP reported. Libyan state television said that rallies were being held across the oil exporting country in support of Gaddafi, who is Africa's longest serving leader. According to the reports from Benghazi, the unrest was triggered by the arrest of a rights campaigner Fethi Tarbel. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Iran, Russia discuss Caucasus developments Ali Bagheri Kani and Igor Khovaev, have reviewed the developments in the Caucasus region. Armenia Defense Minister travels to France A delegation headed by Defense Minister Suren Papikyan will travel to France, according to a statement from the Defense Ministry. Armenia, U.S. talk defense, security matters Secretary of the Armenian Security Council Armen Grigoryan met with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Armenia, Ukraine discuss bilateral relations Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council Armen Grigoryan met with Ukrainian Foreign Dmytro Kuleba on June 16. |