Two publications closed in IranSeptember 6, 2011 - 11:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran has shut down two publications after they posted articles critical of President Mahmud Ahmadinejad. According to official Irna news agency, "Shahrvand-e Emrouz", a weekly reformist news magazine, was shut down for violating press laws. It said the daily "Ruzgar" was temporarily closed down for publishing propaganda. Both publications have been closed in the past. Since 2000, Iran has closed more than 100 publications, accusing many of being "pawns of the West". The latest closures come ahead of parliamentary elections in the Islamic Republic next March. Last week, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the vote in March posed a potential risk to the country's security and called for national unity, RFE/RL 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |