World's largest Muslim body takes Saudi side in Iran rowJanuary 22, 2016 - 13:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The world's largest Muslim body backed Saudi Arabia in its weeks-long diplomatic spat with Iran in a statement, accusing Tehran of backing terrorism and meddling in other countries' affairs, Reuters reported Friday, January 22. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), based in the Saudi city of Jeddah, had gathered for an exceptional meeting called by Riyadh over the storming of its embassy and consulate by Iranian protesters on Jan. 2. The crisis started when Saudi Arabia executed Shi'ite cleric Nimr al-Nimr earlier that day, triggering outrage among Shi'ites across the region and deepening the political and sectarian rift between the conservative Sunni kingdom and the Islamic republic. In its final statement, the OIC condemned the attacks on Saudi missions and criticized "inflammatory Iranian statements on the implementation of court rulings against a number of perpetrators of terrorist crimes in Saudi Arabia". "(The OIC) condemns Iran's interference in the internal affairs of countries in the region and other countries, including members (Bahrain, Yemen, Syria and Somalia) and the continuation of its support for terrorism," the body added. Riyadh cut its diplomatic ties with Tehran in response. Other Gulf countries took varying measures to downgrade ties with Iran. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |