NATO postpones takeover of military operations in Libya for a dayMarch 29, 2011 - 19:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO is delaying its takeover of all military operations in Libya by 24 hours to March 31 at 0600 GMT (2pm Singapore time), an alliance diplomat said on March 29, AFP reported. The 28-nation military organization agreed on March 27 to take command of the U.S.-led campaign, and U.S. President Barack Obama said the transfer would be completed on March 30. But the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said an extra day was needed for a smooth transition from U.S. to NATO command, according to The Straits Times. The delay is also necessary because contributions from some allies could depend on the outcome of an international conference on Libya taking place on March 29, the diplomat said. “NATO will effectively take over command of Libyan operations on Thursday at 0600 GMT,” the diplomat said. 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. |