ANCA joins broad based human rights coalitionApril 12, 2011 - 10:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) recently joined the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and over 150 people representing a diverse group of over 30 interfaith and human rights groups in saluting the ongoing efforts of the Congressional International Religious Freedom Caucus, ANCA said in a press release. The attendees at the March 31stt Capitol Hill reception praised Caucus founders, Representatives Trent Franks (R-AZ) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), for keeping Congress informed about religious freedom issues and serving as a key networking hub between non-profit advocacy groups and policymakers through briefings on domestic and international religious freedom issues. Participants also welcomed the leadership of incoming Caucus Co-Chair Heather Shuler (D-NC), who will be taking over Rep. Cleaver's responsibilities in the 112th Congress. In addition to remarks by the Caucus Co-Chairs, the reception featured keynote speeches by Dr. Habib Malek, the son of Charles Malik, the author of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and Farzad Kamalabadi, who shared a moving account of the continued imprisonment of his sister, Fariba Kamalabadi, and repression of the Baha'is in Iran. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |