  EU to impose new sanctions on Iranian officials, firms December 1, 2011 - 19:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union has agreed to impose fresh sanctions on 180 Iranian officials and firms over Tehran's controversial nuclear programme. Ministers meeting in Brussels also agreed to work on other measures that could target Iran's energy sector. The sanctions follow a UN report linking Iran to the development of a nuclear weapon. Iran denies the claims. The EU measures also come two days after hundreds of Iranian protesters stormed the UK embassy in Tehran. Britain announced on Wednesday it was expelling all Iranian diplomats from London, after pulling its own out of Tehran. A spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton stated that the new sanctions would target 39 people and 141 companies and would include the freezing of assets and travel bans, BBC News 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 |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
