EU extends Syria sanctions for another yearMay 29, 2014 - 21:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union said Thursday, May 29, it was renewing economic sanctions against Syria, including an oil embargo and asset freezes against allies of President Bashar al-Assad, for another year, EUbusiness reported. The measures, which will extend to June 1, 2015, affect 179 people "associated with the violent repression in Syria", and 53 entities, including the Central Bank of Syria, the EU said in its Official Journal. Two people and one entity have been removed from the initial list of those subjected to sanctions, which were first unveiled in May 2013. The renewal of EU sanctions comes just days before a presidential election sure to give Assad another term in office, with no political solution in sight for the three-year war that has devastated the country. The civil war raging since March 2011 has killed more than 160,000 people and forced nearly half the population to flee their homes. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |