Several injured in clashes between Sunnis and Shi'ites in BahrainMarch 4, 2011 - 16:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Several people were hurt in fighting between Sunni and majority Shi'ite Muslims in a town in central Bahrain on March 3, the first sectarian violence since protests erupted in the Sunni-ruled kingdom two weeks ago. The overnight clashes were triggered by a family dispute or a car accident, or both, according to different accounts, although the government said the cause of the dispute was "simple." "There were about a hundred people involved," one resident said as police helicopters circled overhead and ambulances rushed from the scene. Youths with sticks and batons fled the area, residents said, Reuters reported. The island kingdom has been gripped by unrest since protesters, formed mainly of disgruntled majority Shi'ite Muslims, took to the streets demanding democratic reforms in the U.S.-allied Sunni monarchy. Seven people died after police and the army tried to disperse the protests when they erupted two weeks ago, but since there had been no more violence since the government has ordered police forces and troops off the streets under international pressure and promised to start talks. The fighting came hours after Bahraini opposition groups said they were ready to enter into talks with the government without pre-conditions, but have sent a letter to the crown prince saying they want a new government and constitution. 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. |