U.S. ambassador returns to SyriaDecember 7, 2011 - 09:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. ambassador to Syria, who was removed from the country after threats to his safety, is due to return, U.S. State Department officials have said. Robert Ford left the Syrian capital, Damascus, in late October. He had angered Syrian authorities by showing solidarity with activists involved in an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's rule. Meanwhile, France's ambassador returned to Damascus on Monday, December 5, having been recalled last month. News of Mr Ford's return came as the U.S. Secretary of State met seven members of the opposition Syrian National Council in Geneva. Hillary Clinton said that democratic transition in Syria - where the UN estimates that more than 4,000 people have been killed since the beginning of the uprising in March - meant more than removing Mr Assad. "It means setting Syria on the path of the rule of law and protecting the universal rights of all citizens, regardless of sect or ethnicity or gender," she told journalists. A senior U.S. state department official told reporters that Mr Ford was expected to leave for Damascus late on Tuesday. "Ambassador Robert Ford has completed his consultations in Washington and is returning to Damascus this evening," the unnamed official said, BBC reported. Mr Ford left Syria on 24 October as the government crackdown on protesters and a nascent armed insurgency against Mr Assad intensified. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |