Victoria Nuland: countries like Russia can take steps to up pressure on AssadOctober 8, 2011 - 11:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime is escalating its tactics against the opposition with bold, daylight attacks on its leaders, the US State Department said Friday. "This is a clear escalation of regime tactics," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters. Nuland meanwhile welcomed reported remarks from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev who told Assad to either reform or resign. "That is very positive... I haven't seen the statement," she said. "But as we have said, we want to see more countries join us not only in increasing the political and rhetorical pressure on the regime, but also tightening the economic noose," Nuland said. "And there are more steps that can be taken by countries like Russia to up the pressure on Assad," she said. Medvedev said three days after Russia and China sparked global outrage by jointly vetoing a UN resolution on Syria that he wanted to see an end to the brutal crackdown on protesters as much as Europe and the United States, AFP reported. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |