Displaced civilians begin returning to PalmyraMay 12, 2018 - 10:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Thousands of displaced residents of Palmyra have begun returning to this historical city, following the Syrian government’s announcement encouraging people to return, Al-Masdar News says. According to a communique from the Syrian government, the construction projects in Palmyra have been completed and its now safe for residents to return to the city. Much of the reconstruction efforts were concentrated on fixing the electrical grids, water resources, and municipal institutions that were destroyed by the Islamic State (ISIS) during their reign of terror. IS captured and occupied Palmyra at least two times since the start of the Syrian conflict; they were first expelled from the city in 2016 and then once again in 2017. 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 | 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. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |