Merkel, Sarkozy to up pressure on SyriaFebruary 6, 2012 - 18:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Germany and France announced Monday, February 6 the launch of a contact group to step up international pressure against Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, saying they were appalled at the vetoing of a UN Security Council resolution to condemn him, M&C reported, citing DPA. Speaking after a meeting in Paris, Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Nicolas Sarkozy said they would not back off on the issue despite Saturday’s setback. “Germany and France will not let the Syrian people down on the Syrian issue. What has happened is a scandal, and we cannot put up with indecision or a blockade by the international community,” said Sarkozy. Merkel said the two powers were “not only disappointed but appalled” by the Chinese and Russian veto when the votes were cast in New York. Sarkozy said he would telephone Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday to protest in Germany's name as well. They gave no immediate details on the contact group, which German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle foreshadowed the previous day. Through her spokesman in Berlin, Merkel called the veto a “bitter setback.” 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. |