Germany, U.S. urge action on SyriaNovember 29, 2011 - 09:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States and Germany on Monday, November 28, led Western calls for the divided UN Security Council to act on Syria's deadly assault against protests after UN investigators said crimes against humanity had been committed, AFP reports. "It is past time for the Security Council to take much more decisive action with respect to Syria," said US ambassador Susan Rice. The Council cannot "stand idly by," added Germany's UN envoy Peter Wittig. The 15-member council was split last month by a European-drafted resolution condemning President Bashar al-Assad's crackdown. Russia and China vetoed the resolution, while Brazil, India, South Africa and Lebanon abstained. But a report by a UN human rights commission, which said crimes against humanity had been ordered by the "highest levels" of Assad's government, and the Arab League decision to order sanctions have strengthened the calls for action. The United States and its European allies have already condemned the rare double veto by Russia and China. 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 | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |