Erdogan says Syria’s Assad days as president are numberedNovember 21, 2011 - 16:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Monday, November 21, that his days as leader are numbered and he cannot remain in power indefinitely through military force. "You can remain in power with tanks and cannons only up to a certain point. The day will come when you'll also leave," Erdogan told a meeting in Istanbul. "Someone shows up and says 'I'll fight and die. Against whom will you fight? Will you fight against your Muslim brothers you rule in your country?" Erdogan said. He was referring to an interview with Assad published in London's Sunday Times in which the embattled leader vowed to fight and die for Syria if faced with foreign intervention. Erdogan denounced the use of military force "against those in Syria who demand a decent life." "We never and never consider humane" the killing of Syrian people with tanks and cannons, Erdogan said, AFP reported. Turkey, once a close ally of Syria, has become increasingly outspoken in its criticism of Assad's regime as the death toll from the increasingly bloody crackdown on protests has risen to more than 3,500. Ankara last week announced a halt to joint oil exploration with Syria and has threatened to cut electricity exports there. 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. |