Unrest in Yemen fuelled by the Egyptian uprisingFebruary 15, 2011 - 15:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Hundreds of anti-government demonstrators and government loyalists fought with rocks and batons in the Yemeni capital on Feb 15 in political unrest fuelled by the Egyptian uprising. About 1,000 protesters, marching down a street that leads to the presidential palace, were blocked by anti-riot police, a Reuters reporter said. As they dispersed into side streets, they were confronted by hundreds of government backers and both sides hurled rocks at each other. Police managed to stamp out the fighting. Four of the anti-government protesters were wounded, the Reuters reporter said, two bleeding from head injuries. "Ali, leave, leave, and take your sons with you!" protesters shouted, referring to President Ali Abdullah Saleh, a U.S. ally against al Qaeda's Yemen-based wing. Many expect Saleh, who has ruled this Arabian Peninsula state for 32 years, will hand power to his son, a charge he denies. Organized protests across Yemen in recent weeks originally were divided between calls for reform and for Saleh to resign, Reuters reported But since Egyptian protesters ousted their president on Friday, more spontaneous and violent protests have erupted in Yemen and demonstrators have been targeting Saleh, carrying posters that say "Leave," in Arabic, English and French. Analysts doubt Yemen will see a quick, Egypt-style revolt. Any upheaval would likely unfold slowly and perhaps with more bloodshed in a country where half the population has a gun and tribal allegiances run strong. 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 | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |