Medvedev, Ahmadinejad against foreign action in SyriaFebruary 22, 2012 - 21:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in telephone talks on Wednesday, Feb 22 that they reject foreign intervention in the Syria crisis, the Kremlin said. "The sides spoke out in favor of the quickest resolution of the crisis by the Syrian people themselves through exclusively peaceful means and without foreign intervention," the Kremlin said in a statement. The two leaders agreed that the situation in Syria was "dramatic" and required "constructive political dialogue between the authorities and the opposition without precondition," said the statement. "At the same time, the leaders noted the importance of pursuing steady political, social and economic reforms in a calm atmosphere and in the interest of all Syrians," the Kremlin said. Medvedev also held telephone talks Wednesday with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. The Kremlin said Medvedev sought to explain Russia's decision this month to veto together with China a UN Security Council draft resolution condemning President Bashar al-Assad for 11 months of violence that the opposition says has claimed over 7,600 lives. Russia and Iran have remained two of the Syrian government's closest international backers throughout the bloodshed, AFP 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |