Lavrov says Syria's chemical weapons under controlFebruary 2, 2013 - 16:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday, Feb 2, that the Syrian authorities keep chemical weapons under control, RIA Novosti reported. “We have reliable information that so far the Syrian government controls the situation” with the chemical weapons, Lavrov said at the International Security Conference in Munich. “If the rebels seize those weapons, they will become a huge threat. But still, the situation doesn’t give any grounds for serious worries,” he added. Syria has not signed the international Chemical Weapons Convention and is believed to possess mustard gas and sarin, an extremely toxic nerve agent. The CIA says Syria has had a chemical weapons program "for years” and that the weapons can be “delivered by aircraft, ballistic missile, and artillery rockets. Syria said this summer that they could be used against “foreign invaders.” Lavrov reiterated that Russia's stance against any foreign interference in the two-year civil war in Syria and a removal of its incumbent president bound in a standoff with the opposition. “The persistence of those who say that number one priority is to remove Assad is the only biggest reason for the continuing tragedy in Syria," he said. Lavrov is also expected to meet with Biden for a round of talks on Saturday to discuss the Syrian conflict. The two are expected to share views on cooperation in nuclear arms reduction, as well as economic and trade issues. During the three-day forum Lavrov is also expected to meet with other officials, including the UN and Arab League special envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |