Tehran vows to react to Samsung smartphone ban for Iran OlympiansFebruary 8, 2018 - 14:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Head of National Olympic Committee of Iran urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to properly react to the Samsung Electronics Co. measure not to give Samsung cell phones to the Iranian Olympians in South Korea, IRNA reports. Shahrokh Shahnazi sent separate letters to IOC, South Korea's National Olympic Committee and the country's ambassador to Tehran to follow up Samsung's anti-Olympics measure. PyeongChang Olympic organizers won't provide North Korean and Iranian players with Samsung smartphones, which are available free to all other athletes, for fear of violating international sanctions on the countries, South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted officials as saying on Wednesday, February 7. Shahnazi said Samsung's measure was a clear violation of the spirit of the Olympics and was also against the Olympic Charter. The Olympic official further urged the manager of the Iranian Olympic squad to follow up the case. South Korea Winter Olympics will start in the northeastern city of Pyeongchang as of Friday (February 9). 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 |