France strikes Libyan military vehicleMarch 19, 2011 - 21:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Allied fighter jets have taken to the skies over Libya after leader Muammar Gaddafi apparently defied the UN’s demand that he stop attacking his own people. British ships are also involved in a naval blockade of the country, sources told Sky News, as the world launched a co-ordinated response based on an earlier UN resolution to protect Libyan civilians, Sky News reported. A French defence official also confirmed one of their fighter jets had fired on a Libyan military vehicle. News of the developments emerged after a summit of world leaders on the conflict was held in Paris, hosted by Nicolas Sarkozy. Leaders of nations supporting the UN-backed no-fly zone warned after the meeting that "immediate military action" would be taken because of ceasefire breaches. British Prime Minister David Cameron said: "The time for action has come and it needs to be urgent. "Colonel Gaddafi has made this happen - he lied to the international community." Mr Sarkozy added that military force would be used "in the absence of an immediate ceasefire" because "the Libyan people need our help." Observers now believe selected targets in Libya will be hit within the next 24 hours. US secretary of state Hillary Clinton confirmed that they were not involved in the first action over Libya. Earlier in the day rebels said a jet fighter operated by one of their number crashed as it tried to take on pro-Gaddafi militia, which they say are attacking them in breach of a ceasefire announced on Friday. Reports said Libyan forces intend to deploy 'human shields' to thwart any UN-backed bombing campaign. State news agency Jana reported that civilians were converging on government facilities believed to be bombing targets for an impending UN-backed air intervention force. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |