Assad says confident of support from Iran, RussiaAugust 26, 2015 - 12:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, has said he is confident he has the continuing support of key allies Iran and Russia, BBC News reports. A fresh push is under way to resolve Syria's four-year conflict, leading to speculation Assad could be forced out to reach a settlement. But Assad said Russia and Iran did not abandon their friends. Meanwhile France insists that the "neutralization" of the Syrian leader was essential to ending the crisis. French President Francois Hollande said: "We must reduce the terrorist influence without maintaining Assad. The two are bound up together." Iran and Russia though have maintained he needs to be part of a political solution. Assad, speaking to Al-Manar, a Lebanese TV station run by his Hezbollah allies, said there was no imminent breakthrough in sight. 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. |