“Arabian syndrome” spreads over to BalkansFebruary 6, 2011 - 16:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Tens of thousands of Serbian opposition supporters have rallied against the government, calling for early elections and economic reforms. The protest was organized by Serbian Progressive Party leader Tomislav Nikolic who addressed the crowd in front of the parliament building in the capital, Belgrade. Serbian police estimate at least 55,000 people gathered for the rally. Other witnesses say the crowd was closer to 70,000. Nikolic called for higher wages and an end to government corruption. He referenced recent street protests in Tunisia and Egypt, saying governments around the world are learning they need to listen to the people. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for 2012 in Serbia but the opposition wants them held sooner. Nikolic's nationalist opposition party has been gaining in popularity in recent months as Serbia struggles to recover from the global economic recession. Rising prices, unemployment and poverty has led to discontent with Serbia's pro-European Union government. Police say the rally has been mostly peaceful though a few protesters have had to be detained, VOA News 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |