  ICRC representatives in Azerbaijan visit Armenian hostages  July 11, 2011 - 18:18 AMTPanARMENIAN.Net - Representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited 3 Armenian servicemen and a family of 5 civilians who are held hostage in Azerbaijan. The ICRC officials passed over four letters and three verbal messages from relatives of servicemen and a family. In turn, Armenian citizens in Azerbaijan handed over five letters to their relatives through ICRC. At present, 3 Armenian servicemen and a family of 5 civilians are held hostage in Azerbaijan. It should be noted that while representatives of ICRC Azerbaijani office report on living conditions of the hostages, the Armenian office keeps silence. As the head of press service of ICRC Yerevan office Ashot Astabatsyan told PanARMENIAN.Net they cannot reveal information on living conditions of Armenian hostages for reasons of confidentiality.   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 |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
