Two more Syrian generals defect, link up with rebelsMarch 19, 2012 - 19:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Two more generals have fled Syria and linked up with rebels trying to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Damascus, a Turkish diplomat said on Monday, March 19, AFP reported. The latest defections mean a total of nine generals have reportedly deserted since the revolt against Assad's rule erupted a year ago, many of them seeking refuge in neighbouring Turkey. In addition, around 500 more Syrians crossed into Turkey since Sunday, bringing the total number of refugees to 16,446, the same official added on condition of anonymity. "The generals arrived Friday and nearly 500 other people, most of them women and children, have crossed over since yesterday", the official told AFP. Turkey, once a close ally of Syria, has been at the forefront of international criticism of the deadly crackdown on protestors and has become the main haven for opposition groups and rebel fighters. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |