Syrian troops kill 2 in RastanMay 29, 2011 - 17:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian forces killed two people and wounded scores more on Sunday May 29 in the town of Rastan in central Syria, which has seen large demonstrations against the rule of President Bashar Assad. Troops backed by tanks encircled Rastan on Sunday morning and began firing heavy machineguns in the streets of the town of 80,000 people, 25 k.m. north of the restive city of Homs, a resident of Rastan who witnessed the operation, told Reuters. Rastan, a relatively prosperous town in an agricultural region, is on the main northern highway leading from Damascus to Syria's second city Aleppo. Internet, water, electricity, land lines and most mobile telephone links had been cut, a step commonly used by the military before they storm urban centers. Protests in Syria have continued despite the increasing force used to crush demonstrations that began with demanding political freedom and an end to corruption, but are now calling for the removal of 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 | 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. |