Kerry pushing ahead with Mideast peace efforts April 21, 2013 - 12:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is wrapping up a 24-hour visit to Istanbul with talks aimed at improving ties between Turkey and Israel and pushing ahead with Mideast peace efforts, The Associated Press reports. American officials say Kerry will use meetings Sunday, April 21 with Turkey's Foreign Minister and the Palestinian president to urge the Turks to make good on pledges to normalize relations with Israel and explore ways to relaunch peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis. President Barack Obama has made both issues foreign policy priorities for his second term. During a trip to Israel in February, Obama secured pledges from Turkey and Israel to restore badly strained ties. Earlier Sunday in Istanbul, Kerry announced that the Obama administration is doubling its non-lethal assistance to the Syrian opposition to $250 million.   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 Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
