U.S. ambassador to Syria delays his returnNovember 22, 2011 - 09:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. ambassador to Syria Robert Ford has delayed his return to Damascus until later in the year, the State Department said Monday, November 21. "We are now consulting with our allies and partners on an appropriate timing for his return," said State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland. "We do still intend for him to go back." Ford was abruptly withdrawn in October due to security threats. Several European nations have pulled their ambassadors out of Syria. "Our issue here is to ensure that when he goes back, not only is he safe, not only is Syria willing to live up to its Vienna convention obligations, but also that he can be effective in getting out and meeting with people," said Nuland. The State Department said in late October that Ford aimed to return to Syria by the Thanksgiving holiday, which falls on November 24. Ford "will be now eating that turkey in the United States," said Nuland, a reference to the main Thanksgiving meal dish. Nuland said however that Ford is expected back before the end of the year. "Our current plan is for him to go relatively soon," said a senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity. 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. |