Turkey lifts curfew on Kurdish city Cizre amid violenceSeptember 15, 2015 - 10:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish authorities have lifted a curfew on the mainly Kurdish city Cizre, 12 hours after re-imposing it, BBC News reports. The city had been under curfew since 4 September. It was lifted on Saturday, September 12 only to be re-imposed a day later. The measure was introduced due to fighting with the outlawed Kurdish PKK group, officials say. The pro-Kurdish HDP party says 21 civilians died. Violence has surged between Turkey and the PKK since a ceasefire collapsed in July. Over the weekend, HDP party leader Selahattin Demirtas urged a return to peace talks. "We call on all parties to take into account the public's expectations," he said. Turkey has described Cizre as a hotbed of PKK activity. But critics accuse President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of renewing violence to curb support for the HDP, whose 14% share of the vote in June elections cost the governing AKP its majority in parliament. The government denies the accusations. Many people fear the clashes will mount as snap elections scheduled for November draw closer. 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |