Palestinian President accuses Israel of igniting ‘religious war’November 11, 2014 - 17:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Palestinian President has accused Israel of igniting a "religious war" by allowing Jewish worshippers to visit a contested holy site in Jerusalem. Mahmoud Abbas says the visits are provocative, and that Palestinian worshippers will defend the site, revered by Jews as the Temple Mount and by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. Jews are allowed to visit, but they are not supposed to pray there. An increase in the number of visits has sparked clashes and raised Muslim fears that Israel is plotting to take over the site. Abbas' remarks — at a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat — came as Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian demonstrator in clashes in the West Bank on Tuesday. 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 | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |