U.S. Congresswoman calls on Turkey to protect religious freedomNovember 19, 2011 - 10:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement on November 18 to announce her co-sponsorship of House Resolution 306, “Urging the Republic of Turkey to Safeguard its Christian Heritage and to Return Confiscated Church Properties”: “The freedom to worship and practice your religious faith is a right that should be protected and available to all. That is why I am proud to join fellow colleagues in calling on the Turkish government to right previous injustices and return confiscated religious sites to their rightful owners. “These sites hold special cultural and religious significance for the groups who lost them. As a signatory to the Declaration of Human Rights to provide religious rights, I hope that Turkey will return these sites to the appropriate parties so that they can be restored and preserved for future generations.” House Resolution 306 calls on the Turkish government to return confiscated Christian churches, schools, monasteries, hospitals, monuments, relics, holy sites and other religious properties to their rightful owners for preservation and restoration. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. 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. |