Egypt's military apologizes for deathsNovember 24, 2011 - 12:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Egypt's ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces apologized on Thursday, November 24, for the deaths of demonstrators during six straight days of anti-military rallies, in a statement on their Facebook page. "The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces presents its regrets and deep apologies for the deaths of martyrs from among Egypt's loyal sons during the recent events in Tahrir Square," it said. The central Cairo plaza was the epicenter of the 18 days of protests that ousted veteran president Hosni Mubarak in February and has become an icon of the Arab Spring. "The council also offers its condolences to the families of the martyrs across Egypt." The statement comes after a speech by SCAF head Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi which was aimed at placating protesters in the square but was heavily criticised for not making mention of the deaths at the hands of police. The health ministry has put the death toll at 35 countrywide since clashes first erupted on Saturday. In its Facebook statement, the SCAF vowed to investigate and prosecute all those behind the deaths. It also pledged to offer assistance to the families of the dead and injured, and to set up a military field hospital in Tahrir Square, 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 | 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. |