Hollande: French troops deployed in CAR “to avoid carnage”December 11, 2013 - 10:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - President Francois Hollande has defended France's military intervention in the Central African Republic - after two French soldiers were killed in the capital Bangui, BBC News reported. Speaking in Bangui, he said last week's deployment of 1,600 troops had been necessary to "avoid carnage". The two French soldiers were killed in combat near Bangui airport. The CAR has been in chaos since rebel leader Michel Djotodia ousted President Francois Bozize in March. Fuelled by ethnic rivalries, the conflict has also now become sectarian in nature as he installed himself as the first Muslim leader in the Christian-majority country sparking months of bloody clashes between rival Muslim and Christian fighters. Extra French troops were sent into the CAR last Friday, Dec 6 after the UN Security Council backed a mandate to restore order "by all necessary measures". The UN resolution followed a surge of violence involving Christian self-defence militias that had sprung up after a series of attacks by mainly Muslim fighters from the former rebel coalition. The Red Cross said 394 people were killed in three days of fighting in Bangui. Many of the victims are believed to have been children. The French army said it had restored some stability in the capital by Monday night. Following a request from France, the US announced on Monday it would help fly African Union peacekeeping troops into the CAR. Related links: 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. 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. |