Oil pipeline reportedly blasted in SyriaDecember 8, 2011 - 14:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian activists say there has been an explosion on an oil pipeline near the restive central city of Homs on Thursday, December 8. According to AP, no casualties were immediately reported in the blast. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the pipeline was "bombed." The state-run news agency says it was an attack and blamed "an armed terrorist group." The reports could not be independently confirmed. Syria is trying to crush a 9-month-old uprising, but the conflict is turning more violent as once-peaceful protesters take up arms. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |