Vatican embassy in Damascus hit by mortar fireNovember 5, 2013 - 15:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Vatican embassy in Damascus was hit by mortar fire on Tuesday, Nov 5, but there were no casualties, a Vatican spokesman said, according to Reuters. It was not clear if the embassy was deliberately targeted. It is located in the wealthy Maliki area of the Syrian capital, where there are several embassies as well as the residences of government and security officials. "There was damage but no one was injured. The mortar hit a wing of the embassy that is currently not being used," Father Ciro Benedettini said from the Vatican City. An official at the embassy said the mortar had damaged part of the roof and left broken glass inside the building. "It was very strong and noisy. We stayed inside and we were very afraid," Monsignor Giorgio Chazza told Reuters in Beirut. The embassy, which is still operating in the embattled city, had been hit by eight to ten times by mortar bombs since July, he said. Rebels fighting to topple the government of President Bashar al-Assad regularly launch mortar fire at government-held areas inside Damascus. 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 | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |