Iran invited to participate in Syria talks in ViennaOctober 28, 2015 - 11:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran is being invited to international talks aimed at ending the Syrian civil war for the first time - just after Iranian state-controlled media reported Russian warplanes had bombed enemy positions near the Israeli-annexed Syrian territory of the Golan Heights, the Independent reports. U.S. officials said an invitation has been extended to Iran to take part in the talks, the next round of which take place in Vienna on Friday, October 30. The invite was reportedly formally extended by Russia. America had considered inviting Iran to the talks previously, but the invitation was finally given following days of behind-the-scenes negotiation, particularly with Iran's regional rival, Saudi Arabia. The announcement also came just as Iranian media reported ISIS and Syrian rebel positions near the Golan Heights had been bombed by Russian forces. The Golan Heights is an area in-between Israel and Syria, which was occupied by Israel in the Six-Day War in 1976 and effectively annexed in 1981. The state-controlled Fars news agency said the bombing was an "important message" to Israel from Moscow over an agreement on how the two militaries' planes will share airspace over the Golan Heights. Their claims have not yet been verified. 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. |