China says strong storms sank cruise ship with over 440 passengersDecember 30, 2015 - 15:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - China says the capsizing of a cruise ship that killed hundreds earlier this year was caused by strong storms but that representatives of the shipping company and local authorities should also be punished for management flaws, the Associated Press reports. More than 440 people died in the June 1 disaster on the Yangtze River. The official Xinhua News Agency says the Cabinet's investigation team concluded that the Eastern Star was brought down "by strong winds and heavy rains" related to "a rare type of severe convective weather." The conclusion backs up the initial finding that the disaster was caused by strong winds. Xinhua said Wednesday, December 30 the investigation team also found that 43 people from the shipping company and local authorities should be punished for flaws in their daily management. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |