Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Denis Mukwege and Nadia MuradOctober 5, 2018 - 13:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad ‘for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict’, Metro says. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has received nominations for 216 individuals and 115 organisations. Only a few dozen of the nominees are known, as the committee keeps the list of nominations secret for 50 years, although some candidates are revealed by their nominators. Among those put forward this year were the Syrian civilian aid group the White Helmets, Russia’s Novaya Gazeta newspaper, Edward Snowden and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Last year’s winner was the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. The 2018 prize is worth nine million Swedish kronor (£777,000). Past winners who came under criticism include former US president Barack Obama, who won in 2009 after less than a year in office. Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un were the bookmakers’ favourites for the prize in the run-up to the announcement. Julie Bishop, former Australian foreign minister, said: ‘That is an extraordinary proposition in anyone’s language.’ However, she added: ‘President Trump adopted an unorthodox diplomatic stance…. he’s continued to promote the personal relationship between the two leaders as the basis for a negotiated peace.’ 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. |