NATO to conduct air strikes on Libya through April 4April 4, 2011 - 10:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States has agreed to a NATO request to conduct air strikes on Libya through Monday, April 4, because of "recent poor weather", the Pentagon said. "Due to recent poor weather in Libya, the U.S. has approved NATO's request to extend use of some U.S. strike (aircraft)" through Monday, the Pentagon said in a message posted on the microblogging site Twitter, AFP reported. The U.S. military had planned to begin withdrawing its combat jets and Tomahawk missiles from the air campaign against Libya's regime this weekend, as NATO allies were to take the lead in bombing Muammar Gaddafi's forces. NATO took charge of the coalition effort on Thursday. Last week, U.S. sorties aimed at striking targets in Libya had also been scaled back. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |