Former Nusra Front claims assassination of Russian ambassadorDecember 21, 2016 - 16:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly the al-Nusra Front) has claimed responsibility for Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov’s murder in Ankara, Sputnik reports. The group claimed responsibility via a letter published online. Earlier, Turkish media reported that the number of people detained in the investigation over the assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov has grown to 13. The arrests were carried out in the province of Ankara, in addition to the southwestern provinces of Izmir and Aydin, the NTV broadcaster cited police as saying. Karlov was shot and killed at an art gallery exhibition opening in Ankara on Monday. The Russian Foreign Ministry said it considered the attack a terrorist act. Previous reports indicated that six relatives of the perpetrator have been detained. Some of them are reportedly linked to the so-called Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organization (FETO), accused by Ankara of organizing a failed coup in July. 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |