Syrian military declares three-day nationwide truceJuly 6, 2016 - 16:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian military has unilaterally declared a three-day truce covering the whole country, BBC News reports citing state media. A statement by the general command said the "regime of calm" began at 01:00 on Wednesday, July 6 (22:00 GMT on Tuesday) and would last until midnight on Friday. The announcement coincides with the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr. Earlier, President Bashar al-Assad made a rare public appearance outside the capital, Damascus, attending Eid prayers in the devastated city of Homs. More than 250,000 people have been killed since an uprising against Assad erupted five years ago. Eleven million others have been forced from their homes as government forces and rebels battle each other - as well as jihadist militants from Islamic State (IS). 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 | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |