Ahmadinejad supporters arrested by Iranian authoritiesMay 4, 2011 - 18:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Close associate of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and of his chief of staff, Esfandiar Rahim Mashai has been arrested by Iranian authorities. The arrest of Hojjatoleslam Abbas Amirifar, who heads the president’s Cultural Council, was confirmed by a number of Iranian websites, including Khabar-on-line and Jahan News as well as the Campaign for Human rights in Iran. The Campaign cites “an informed source” saying that Revolutionary Guards officials arrested Amirifar on Sunday. He was reportedly summoned to the prosecutor’s office by phone. He had dismissed the call because a summons has to be delivered in writing. So yesterday the officials arrested him at his home. Amirifar’s arrest comes on the heels of Ahmadinejad’s return to cabinet meetings, following his nine-day boycott of official duties. The boycott began when the Supreme Leader overruled the president’s decision to accept the resignation of his intelligence minister, insideofiran.org reported. 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. |