Syrian authorities block areas to prevent protestsMay 13, 2011 - 15:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian authorities closed off entire areas in several tense cities on Friday, May 13, setting up checkpoints and roadblocks ahead of planned anti-government protests after prayers at the country's mosques, AP reports. President Bashar Assad has gone to extreme measures to try to crush the protest movement that has engulfed several provinces across the country. Authorities have sent tanks and snipers to major flashpoint cities and arrested thousands of people in the past two weeks. More than 775 people have been killed and thousands detained since the uprising against Assad.   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 |  Latest news Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia  Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28.Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia.Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports.Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |
