Abducted Chinese workers released in SudanFebruary 7, 2012 - 16:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Rebel forces in Sudan's border state of South Kordofan released 29 Chinese workers to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Tuesday, February 7, 10 days after they were kidnapped, Sudan's foreign ministry said. The workers were handed over on Tuesday morning to the ICRC, Sudan's foreign ministry said. They were flown over from Kauda in South Kordofan to Nairobi in Kenya and handed over to Chinese embassy officials. "The Sudanese foreign ministry affirms to the government and people of China that Sudan's government seeks to protect Chinese investments and workers involved in it," a ministry statement said. The construction workers were captured on January 28 - apparently held as pawns in a dispute between Sudan and rebels allied with the newly independent and oil-rich South Sudan. It marked the third case of abduction of Chinese in Sudan since 2004 and highlighted the risks to China's expanding economic footprint in Africa in search of minerals and energy, Reuters 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. |