 Clinton in Algeria to discuss crisis in neighboring Mali October 29, 2012 - 13:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in Algeria to discuss with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika the crisis in neighboring Mali, large swathes of which have been overrun by Islamists, AFP reports. Washington has launched a diplomatic offensive to secure Algeria's vital backing for a military intervention in Mali, where Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is among militant groups tightening their grip on the north. "Algeria being the strongest Sahel state became a critical partner in dealing with AQIM," a State Department official said aboard Clinton's plane, which touched down in Algiers on Monday, Oct 29. "In the context of what happened in North Mali when the government forces up there collapsed and the coup happened, Algeria's importance has become ever more important and it will really be a central focus in the talks between the secretary and president...there is a strong recognition that Algeria has to be a central part of the solution," the diplomat added.   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 |  Latest news 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.Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia.Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |
