Heavy clashes continue in Bahrain ahead of F1 Grand PrixApril 19, 2013 - 16:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Heavy clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces have continued into the night in Bahrain, ahead of Sunday April 20 F1 Grand Prix, BBC News reported. Demonstrators blocked roads with burning tyres, and police fired tear gas and stun grenades, as violence over the past week intensified. The main opposition society al-Wefaq has called for a big protest on Friday. Other activists have demanded that F1 bosses cancel the race due to Bahrain's poor human rights record. In a joint statement, motorsport's world governing body and Formula One management said the race should go ahead as planned. The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula One Management (FOM) said they "also strongly believe sport can often be a force for good and that the staging of the Grand Prix in Bahrain will come some way in helping soothe some of the issues which have been raised in the media". The Bahrain Center for Human Rights says 13 people have been arrested and that clashes were continuing in villages close to the Sakhir track, the site of the race, south of the capital, Manama. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |