Syria's chemical weapons equipment reportedly destroyedOctober 31, 2013 - 13:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syria's declared equipment for producing, mixing and filling chemical weapons has been destroyed, sources with the international watchdog say, according to BBC News. An announcement by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is expected later - a day before its deadline which Syria had to meet. Inspectors were sent to Syria following allegations that government forces had used chemical weapons in civilian areas, killing scores of people. The government denies the accusations. The inspections were agreed between Russia and the U.S. after Washington threatened to use force in Syria. The U.S. says more than 1,400 people were killed during a nerve agent attack in Ghouta on the outskirts of Damascus on August 21. Syria and Russia believe rebel groups were responsible for the attack. Syria's chemical weapons arsenal is believed to include more than 1,000 tons of the nerve gas sarin, the blister agent sulphur mustard and other banned chemicals, stored at dozens of sites. It has until mid-2014 to destroy its chemical weapons stockpile. Related links: 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |