Israeli carriers begin strike in protest of Open Skies agreementApril 21, 2013 - 12:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia and Israir began a strike at 5 am on Sunday, April 21 morning by grounding their fleets in protest of the cabinet's decision to pass an Open Skies agreement with the European Union. The Israeli air carriers demanded the government table the decision for a later date, The Jerusalem Post reported. If passed, the agreement would introduce greater competition, which could theoretically bring down prices and force airlines to make difficult business decisions. El Al announced Saturday evening that cancellations and changes would apply to flights departing from 5 am on Sunday. The airline advised passengers to turn to the El Al website for updated information about their specific flight. For many of the flights the airline pushed ahead departure times to significantly earlier hours. Israir also warned customers that due to the strike, most flights after 5 am on Sunday would be either canceled or changed. Arkia meanwhile asked passengers to remain updated about their flights by checking online statuses, and ensured that the airline would do all in its power to allow for smooth travel. 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. |