U.S. condemns attacks on Iraqi civiliansMarch 20, 2012 - 21:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States on Tuesday, March 20 strongly condemned attacks in Iraq which killed at least 45 people and said they were a blatant bid by extremists to undermine progress by the Iraqi people, AFP reported. "We strongly condemn the attacks on innocent civilians in Iraq," said White House spokesman Jay Carney, but said that violence was at historic lows and that Iraqi forces were capable of maintaining overall security. A wave of attacks killed 45 people in more than a dozen Iraqi cities on Tuesday, the anniversary of the US-led invasion of the country and just days before Baghdad hosts a landmark Arab summit. The violence, which left nearly 200 people wounded, bore the hallmarks of Al-Qaeda, which typically tries to launch coordinated nationwide mass-casualty bombing campaigns. No group immediately claimed responsibility. 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. |