Russia offers Japan to join its humanitarian mission in AleppoAugust 26, 2016 - 16:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov met with Japanese Ambassador Toyohisa Kozuki on Thursday, August 25 and briefed the envoy on the preparations for the first 48-hour humanitarian pause in Aleppo. Antonov invited his Japanese counterparts to join the mission, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement, according to Sputnik. On August 18, the Russian Defense Ministry welcomed UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura's proposal for a 48-hour pause in fighting in Aleppo and expressed readiness to implement the first 48-hour humanitarian pause to supply the city with aid as a "pilot project." On Thursday, de Mistura said the United Nations was ready to begin humanitarian assistance deliveries to Aleppo at any time having received Russia’s agreement for the pause, but awaited guarantees from other actors on the ground. At the meeting Thursday, Antonov additionally expressed concern to Kozuki that U.S. missile system deployment in the Asia-Pacific negatively impacts regional and military stability. In July, South Korea and the United States announced that they had agreed to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system in the South Korean Seongju County amid increased tensions on the peninsula. 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 | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |