Iraq’s Prime Minister vows final defeat of Islamic StateDecember 29, 2015 - 10:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi has said so-called Islamic State (IS) will be ousted from the country, after government forces recaptured Ramadi, BBC News reports. In a televised address, Abadi vowed to retake Iraq's second city of Mosul, saying it would be "the fatal and final blow" to IS. The recapture of Ramadi was welcomed by US Secretary of State John Kerry, who said IS had suffered a major defeat. The jihadists seized Ramadi in May, in an embarrassing defeat for the army. Iraqi government forces have been fighting to retake the city - about 90km (55 miles) west of the capital, Baghdad - for weeks. TV pictures on Monday showed troops raising the Iraqi flag over the government complex in the city centre. Army spokesman Brig Gen Yahya Rasul said forces had "liberated" Ramadi in an "epic" victory. Iraqi officials gave no immediate death toll from the battle. Related links: 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. |