Germany assumes UN Security Council chairmanshipSeptember 1, 2012 - 11:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - France handed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council to Germany on Saturday, Sept 1, a day after Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle promised to push the council to further isolate the Syrian regime, according to Deutsche Welle. During a visit to Hong Kong on Friday, Westerwelle condemned the council's failure to take firm action against President Bashar Assad's brutal suppression of a 17-month uprising. He described China and Russia's veto of three Security Council resolutions on the conflict as nothing less than a "blockade." But he noted that it was clear the international community was edging closer to the "continued isolation of the Assad regime," during this week's summit of non-aligned countries in Iran. He was referring in part to Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi's offer of support for the Syrian opposition movement as the summit opened on Thursday. "Above all, I welcome the fact that President Mohammed Morsi addressed the Assad regime with such clear words in Tehran" he said. Morsi said his country had a "moral obligation" and "political necessity" to show "solidarity with the Syrian people against a regime that lost its legitimacy," prompting a walkout from the Syrian delegation. Germany is due to end its two-year tenure as one of 10-non permanent members of the UN Security Council at the end of this year. It will not be eligible for immediate re-election. Permanent council seats are held by Russia, China, the US, France and Britain. 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. |