Azerbaijani authorities try to prevent opposition rally in BakuApril 17, 2011 - 16:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Baku's police have established control over central streets, parks and squares of the Azerbaijani capital. Baku's police have established control over central streets, parks and squares of the Azerbaijani capital with respect to the opposition rally planned for April 17 to demand democratic reforms in the country. The police also take measures to hamper participation of opposition activists in the rally in Baku and Sumgait. The Azerbaijani opposition's demands remain unchanged - resignation of the government, dismissal of the parliament and organization of new elections, struggle against corruption, release of political prisoners, freedom of media. On the eve of the rally, Amnesty International human rights organization urged the Azerbaijani authorities to prevent the police from cracking down on rally participants, Caucasian Knot reported. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |