U.S. "deeply concerned" over Kazakhstan violenceDecember 20, 2011 - 10:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States said it was "deeply concerned" after the outbreak of violence in western Kazakhstan and urged authorities to reopen communication throughout the country, AFP reports. The U.S. State Department also called for justice against anyone found to be responsible for criminal acts after the violence claimed at least 15 lives in an oil-producing region. "The United States is deeply concerned by the recent outbreak of violence in western Kazakhstan," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said, urging "restraint by all parties." "We are concerned by reports that some forms of communication were disabled in the wake of these protests and urge the government of Kazakhstan to quickly and fully restore open lines of communication throughout the country," she said. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has declared a 20-day state of emergency in the western city of Aktau after unprecedented riots, a blow to a government that prides itself on attracting foreign investors. 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. |