Iran says Syria chemical weapons ‘read line’ but urges rebel probeApril 30, 2013 - 18:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's Foreign Minister is insisting that use of chemical weapons in Syria would also be a "red line" for Tehran, but suggests rebel forces should be investigated rather than the Islamic Republic's allies in Damascus, according to The Associated Press. Ali Akbar Salehi's comments reflect the deep divide between Tehran and the West over Syria's civil war. Iran remains loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad despite recent suspicions that his forces used chemical agents. The semiofficial ISNA news agency quotes Salehi as saying Tuesday, April 30 that the use of chemical weapons "by anybody is our red line." But he claimed opposition groups could have used chemical agents and demanded a UN probe. Last week, Washington said it had "varying degrees of confidence" that pro-Assad forces used small amounts of the nerve agent sarin against rebels. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |