Iranian oppositionists clash with police in TehranDecember 26, 2009 - 14:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian security forces clashed with opposition supporters in southern Tehran on Saturday, as the Islamic Republic marked an emotive Shi'ite religious ritual."A large group of people and security forces clashed in the Pol-e Choubi area while people were marching," Jaras website said. The report could not be independently confirmed, as foreign media have been banned from reporting directly on protests. The same website earlier reported that hundreds of riot police were deployed in central Tehran. The reported incident occurred as people around Iran marked the day of Tasoua with religious ceremonies which peak on Sunday, when Shi'ite Muslims commemorate the 7th century death of Imam Hossein in a battle that sealed the schism between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims. Hossein was a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad. Tension has been mounting in Iran after last Saturday night's death of leading dissident cleric Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, a fierce critic of the clerical establishment who called the disputed June election fraudulent, Reuters reported. 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. |