Diarbekir mayor says he owes ArmeniansOctober 25, 2010 - 11:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A prayer was offered in St. Kirakos Armenian church in Diarbekir (Western Armenia) for the first time over the past 30 years, a Turkish newspaper said. According to Hurriyet, the event was attended by coadjutor of the Constantinople Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church Aram Ateshyan, head of church foundation Tekin Papuchian, Diarbekir mayor Osman Baydemir, Armenians from other Turkish provinces as well as from Syria and Europe. “This church is as important for Armenians as the Holy Cross,” His Eminence Ateshyan said. “Although our religions are different, we are like brothers anyway. I openly state that a owe you. This town is yours as well,” mayor Baydemir added. The reconstruction of the church is estimated $2,5 million, 70% of which was raised through efforts of the church foundation members, the rest was provided by the Diarbekir town administration. 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |