Iranian news agency reporter arrested in AzerbaijanFebruary 18, 2012 - 18:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Forces of the national security ministry of Azerbaijan arrested and jailed Fars News Agency (FNA)'s correspondent in Baku, the agency said. According to FNA dispatches, the security forces raided the house of the FNA correspondent on Thursday, Feb 16 night and arrested him without any specific charge. During the attack in the Nardaran neighborhood, many other political activists were also arrested. The move is seen as part of Azerbaijan's recent anti-Iranian move as Baku had earlier expelled the official representative of the Islamic republic news agency as well, the agency said. Meantime, political observers also believe that the wide-scale arrests by the Baku government are aimed at intimidating and pressuring the opposition activists. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |