U.S. Senate backs bill setting conditions on foreign aidSeptember 22, 2012 - 08:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. Senate has defeated a bill that would have conditioned foreign aid on a country's cooperation in investigating attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities, The Associated Press reported. The bill also would have denied aid to Pakistan unless that country releases Dr. Shakil Afridi. Pakistan arrested the doctor, who allegedly helped the United States track down Osama bin Laden by running a fake vaccination program for the CIA to collect DNA. The objective was to verify bin Laden's presence at the compound where the al-Qaida leader was later killed. Afridi was convicted of high treason and sentenced to 33 years in prison. The United States has sought his release. Eighty-one senators opposed Republican Sen. Rand Paul's bill and 10 supported it. U.S. facilities in several countries have been attacked to protest an anti-Islamic film. 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 | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |