Syrian forces blitzed areas in and around Aleppo – activistsAugust 24, 2012 - 17:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian forces blitzed areas in and around the northern city of Aleppo on Friday, Aug 24, activists said, as Western powers sought to tighten the screws on embattled President Bashar al-Assad, AFP reports. France said it backed a partial no-fly zone over Syria, where the regime is intensifying its attacks from the air as it battles to stamp out rebel strongholds in Aleppo and pockets of resistance in the capital Damascus. New envoy Lakhdar Brahimi was due to meet UN chief Ban Ki-moon later Friday on the 17-month conflict that has escalated from a peaceful uprising against Assad's rule into an increasing bloody civil war. France and Germany said they are pushing for UN Security Council action on the humanitarian crisis as the number of refugees soars above 200,000, while over 2.5 million are in need of aid inside the country, according to the UN. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |