Syria's top envoy to leave Libya within 72 hoursFebruary 9, 2012 - 21:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Libya is expelling Syria's top envoy and his staff from the country to protest Damascus' crackdown on dissent. Libyan Foreign Ministry spokesman Saad Elshlmani says the Syrian charge d'affaires and the embassy staff on Thursday, Feb 9 were given 72 hours to leave the country. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the "Libyan people, who triumphed in their revolution over tyranny and dictatorship, can only stand by the oppressed (Syrian) people … who are fighting for their freedom." Libya joins the U.S. and a growing number of Arab and European countries who have reduced their diplomatic ties with the Syrian regime. Libya's new leaders took over after rebel forces overthrew longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in an eight-month civil war last year, The Associated Press 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |