  US envoy: spike in soldiers' deaths won't influence decision on US troop presence in Iraq  July 3, 2011 - 16:13 AMTPanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. ambassador James F. Jeffrey says the Obama administration remains open to the idea of keeping thousands of American troops in Iraq next year if asked, despite a spike of deathly attacks on soldiers by Shiite militias. Ambassador James F. Jeffrey emphasized Saturday that no decision has been made by Washington. Baghdad's Shiite-led government has not asked to extend the U.S. troop presence, though it is widely expected to do so. Jeffrey says U.S. troops appear to be the militias' top target now, but that attacks will continue against Iraqis if the American military leaves. Fifteen U.S. soldiers died in Iraq in June, nearly all of them killed by Shiite militiamen. It was the bloodiest month for Americans troops in two years, according to Associated Press.   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 |  Latest news Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village  The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015.Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents.“By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents.The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |
