Iranian MFA spokesman quits, new official appointedMay 14, 2013 - 13:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi has been appointed as the new Foreign Ministry spokesman, after Ramin Mehmanparast, who has signed up as a presidential hopeful for the June 14 election, said he is quitting. According to Press TV, in his letter of resignation, Mehmanparast stated that although there is no law requiring that he resign in order to run for president, he decided to do so in order to assure the public that he would not use state facilities or his position to give himself a boost in the election. Salehi accepted the resignation and appointed Araqchi as the new spokesman but announced that he would retain his position as deputy foreign minister for Asia-Pacific affairs. The foreign minister also thanked Mehmanparast for his untiring efforts during his tenure as Foreign Ministry spokesman. Mehmanparast is one of the 686 individuals who have signed up as presidential candidates. 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 | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. |