EU's foreign policy chief says more Syria, Iran sanctions possibleSeptember 8, 2012 - 18:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The EU's foreign policy chief says more sanctions against Syria and Iran are being weighed. According to The Associated Press, Catherine Ashton said Saturday, Sept 8 that a top priority for the EU is to offer its full backing to the new UN-Arab League envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, who is set to begin mediation efforts to end the violence between Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime and opposition groups seeking to topple his rule. Speaking to reporters at the end of an EU foreign ministers meeting in Cyprus, she urged Syrian opposition groups to form a united front against the Assad regime in order to make all Syrians feel secure about their future. On Iran, Ashton said that she will "do everything I can" to ensure Iran complies with its obligations regarding its nuclear program. 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |