Turkey says U.S. will take over Manbij following YPG withdrawalMay 30, 2018 - 18:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish and U.S. forces will jointly take over the northern Syrian city of Manbij after the pullout of Kurdish militia, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said, according to Al-Masdar News. “A roadmap for the Syrian city of Manbij may be implemented before the end of this summer if a deal is reached between Turkey and the U.S.”, Çavuşoğlu added. “Taking over the city will last until a new administration is formed as per an agreement with the United States”, he commented. The U.S. State Department denied reaching an agreement with Turkey on this issue, said that talks are still ongoing. The Turkish diplomat’s statements have also been refuted by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights by confirming that the Kurdish forces haven’t yet withdrawn from the city. In the same context, spokesman of the Manbij Military Council, Shervan Derwish, described the statements as ‘fake’, denying any Kurdish withdrawal. The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by coalition airstrikes, captured the city from the Islamic State on August 2016 after 2-month assault. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |